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.