SRC-JJJ S.B. 1284 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1284
76R9125 CAG-DBy: Lucio
Border Affairs - Special
3/24/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, there is no one responsible for providing home owners in
colonias with information.  S.B. 1284 would establish the creation and
oversight of a colonia ombudsman program in certain economically distressed
areas, and would require a colonia ombudsman to provide colonia residents
with information on state or county programs affecting the colonias. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1284 establishes the creation and oversight of a colonia
ombudsman program in certain economically distressed areas. 

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 Title 7, Government Code, by adding Chapter 775, as
follows: 

CHAPTER 775. COLONIA OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

 Sec. 775.001.  DEFINITIONS.  Defines "agency" and "colonia."

Sec. 775.002.  INTERAGENCY COORDINATION OF COLONIA INITIATIVES. Requires
the secretary of state to designate an employee to act as the colonia
initiatives coordinator (coordinator).  Sets forth requirements for the
duties of the coordinator. 

Sec. 775.003.  COLONIA OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM.  Requires the coordinator to
appoint a colonia ombudsman in each of the six border counties that the
coordinator determines to have the largest colonia population.  Sets forth
requirements for a colonia ombudsman. Requires the colonia ombudsman to
report monthly to the coordinator on the ombudsman's actions.  Authorizes
the colonia ombudsman to provide information to other agencies relating to
colonia issues in the county in which the ombudsman is stationed. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.