SRC-PNG C.S.S.B. 1375 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1375
76R12519 DWS-F By: Shapleigh
Border Affairs - Special
4/18/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, with the rapid expansion of growth in commerce along the U.S.
and Mexico border, traffic congestion at the border crossings has become
severe.  This congestion delays the shipment of raw materials and finished
goods, hampers commerce, curtails growth of the Texas and Mexican
economies, and contributes to air pollution.  While a number of factors are
responsible for congestion at border crossings, government bureaucracy is a
large part of the problem.  There are a large number of state and federal
agencies with a presence at border crossings, with each agency having its
own rules and procedures, and rarely coordinating with other governmental
agencies present.  This bill would require the comptroller of public
accounts to conduct a study of state government functions involving
regulation of commerce and detection and prevention of crime at border
crossings. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 1375 requires the comptroller of public accounts to
conduct a study of state government functions involving regulation of
commerce and detection and prevention of crime at border crossings. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Requires the comptroller of public accounts (comptroller) to
conduct a study of movement of commercial vehicles across the border
between this state and Mexico to determine how separation of state
government functions involving regulation of commerce from functions
involving detection and prevention of crime would reduce congestion and
enhance the effective movement of these vehicles.  Requires the comptroller
to develop recommendations for the manner of accomplishing this separation
and a model for the continuing independent operation of those functions.
Authorizes the comptroller, in cooperation with the office of the governor,
to consult, exchange information not confidential under the law of this
state, and otherwise work jointly with relevant agencies of federal, state,
or local government to the extent the comptroller considers appropriate for
purposes of this Act.  Requires the comptroller to submit the study results
and the comptroller's recommendations and model to the governor, lieutenant
governor, and speaker of the house of representatives, before January 1,
2001. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Adds a new Subsection (b), to authorize the comptroller, in cooperation
with the office of the governor, to consult, exchange information not
confidential under the law of this state, and otherwise work jointly with
relevant agencies of federal, state, or local government to the extent the
comptroller considers appropriate for purposes of this Act.  Redesignates
original Subsection (b) as Subsection (c).