SRC-BWC H.B. 808 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 808
77R449 LJR-DBy: Hartnett (Cain)
Administration
4/5/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The purpose of the Commission on Uniform State Laws is to promote
uniformity in state laws through the work of commissioners sent by Texas
and other states to the National Conference on Uniform State Laws. Current
law provides for six commissioners to be appointed by the governor to serve
staggered six-year terms. In addition, a Texan who has served as an
associate member of the national conference for 15 years and as a judge or
justice of a Texas trial or appellate court for at least five years of
combined service may be granted lifetime membership. The influence of these
commissioners increases with the size of the state's delegation; however,
there are currently several states that are less populous than Texas which
have more commissioners. As proposed, H.B. 808 expands the number of
appointed commissioners, adds the executive director of the Texas
Legislative Council to the commission, and extends lifetime membership to
certain individuals. 

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 Sections 762.003(a) and (c), Government Code, to provide
that the Commission on Uniform State Laws is composed of nine, rather than
six, members appointed by the governor, the executive director of the Texas
Legislative Council or a person designated by the executive director, and
residents of this state who have long service in the cause of uniformity in
state legislation demonstrated by meeting certain conditions.  Provides
that appointed members serve staggered six-year terms, with the terms of
three, rather than two, members expiring September 30 of each even-numbered
year. 

SECTION 2.  Requires the governor, promptly after this Act takes effect, to
appoint three additional members to the Commission on Uniform State Laws to
comply with Section 762.003, Government Code, as amended by this Act.
Requires the governor, in appointing those members, to appoint one person
to a term expiring September 30, 2002, one to a term expiring September 30,
2004, and one to a term expiring September 30, 2006. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  July 1, 2001.