SRC-JEC H.B. 164 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 164 77R8974 JMG-DBy: Olivo (Armbrister) Intergovernmental Relations 4/25/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE When artificial lighting is directed into the atmosphere, researchers at astronomical observatories encounter difficulty in viewing the surrounding skies for astronomical data. H.B. 164 authorizes counties within 57 miles of the McDonald Observatory or within five miles of the George Observatory or the Stephen F. Austin State University Observatory to regulate the installation and use of outdoor lighting in any unincorporated area of the county and to establish standards for proposed subdivisions in order to minimize interference with observatory activities caused by outdoor lighting. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 234.001(1), Local Government Code, to redefine "major astronomical observatory." SECTION 2. Amends Section 234.002, Local Government Code, to authorize the commissioners court of a county, any part of which is located within 57 miles of a major astronomical observatory at the McDonald Observatory, on the request of the director of the McDonald Observatory, to adopt orders regulating the installation and use of outdoor lighting in any unincorporated territory of the county. Authorizes the commissioners court of a county, any part of which is located within five miles of a major astronomical observatory at the George Observatory or the Stephen F. Austin State University Observatory, on the request of the director of either observatory, to adopt orders regulating the installation and use of outdoor lighting in any unincorporated territory of the county. SECTION 3. Amends Section 234.003(b), Local Government Code, to authorize the commissioners court of a county, any part of which is located within 57 miles of a major astronomical observatory at the McDonald Observatory or within five miles of a major astronomical observatory at the George Observatory or the Stephen F. Austin State University Observatory, to adopt orders establishing standards relating to proposed subdivisions in order to minimize the interference with observatory activities caused by outdoor lighting. SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.