SRC-AXB C.S.S.B. 974 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 974
76R10710  JRD-FBy: Shapleigh
State Affairs
4/19/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

During the past decade, the Internet has grown to be an important tool for
exchanging information and conducting everyday business.  Texans and Texas
businesses increasingly have used the Internet to complete business and
information transactions.  State and local government agencies must improve
their Internet services to ensure that all citizens and businesses have
access to the information and services.  This bill requires the Department
of Information Resources to create a task force and demonstration project
regarding Internet-based services and systems. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 974 requires the Department of Information Resources
to create a task force and demonstration project regarding the
establishment of a common electronic system using the Internet. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 2054C, Government Code, by adding Section
2054.062, as follows: 

Sec.  2054.062.  ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC; TASK FORCE AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.  Requires
the Department of Information Resources (TDIR) to create a task force to
assess the cost of establishing an Internet system for state agencies and
local governments to accomplish certain tasks and transactions.  Requires
TDIR and the task force to demonstrate the extent of current Internet
transactions by certain government entities.  Sets forth the composition of
the task force.  Provides that Chapter 2110 does not apply to the task
force.  Requires TDIR to report on the task force's findings and
demonstration results to certain authorities by November 1, 2000.  Provides
that the task force is abolished and this section expires September 1,
2001. 

SECTION 2.Effective date:  September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Amends Section 2054.062(c)(2), Government Code, to provide that the
governor, rather than TDIR, determines the number of, and appoints
representatives of local governments.