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.