SRC-JEC H.B. 2908 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2908
77R10080 BDH-DBy: Hawley (Truan)
Veteran Affairs & Military Installations
5/1/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The 75th Legislature established the Texas Strategic Military Planning
Commission (commission) to assist in the prevention of future base closures
and realignments and to assist defense-dependent communities in preparing
for changes in the military in Texas. Recently, a bill has been introduced
in the U. S. Congress that will begin the next round of base realignment
and closure hearings. If the bill passes, it will authorize additional base
closings and Texas may be at risk of losing more bases and civilian jobs if
an organized effort is not prepared to address the issue.  H.B. 2908 moves
the commission from the Texas Department of Economic Development to the
office of the governor in order to enhance its profile and signal that
Texas is serious about its military and defense communities.  


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 481.0066, Government Code, by transferring it to
Title 4C, Government Code, redesignating it as Chapter 436, Government
Code, and amending it as follows: 

CHAPTER 436.  TEXAS STRATEGIC MILITARY PLANNING COMMISSION

 Sec. 436.001.  DEFINITION.  Defines "commission."

Sec. 436.002.  COMMISSION.  Provides that the Texas Strategic Military
Planning Commission (commission) is within the office of the governor. 

 Sec. 436.003.  COMPOSITION.  Sets forth the composition of the commission.

Sec. 436.004.  TERMS AND OFFICERS.  Provides for the terms and officers of
the commission. 

Sec. 436.005.  COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES.  Entitles a public member of the
commission to reimbursement for certain expenses but not to compensation.
Entitles a legislative member of the commission to certain reimbursement. 

Sec. 436.006.  MEETINGS; OPEN GOVERNMENT.  Provides for open meetings of
the commission. 

Sec. 436.007.  APPLICABILITY OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE LAW.  Provides that
Chapter 2110 does not apply to the commission. 

Sec. 436.008.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION.  Requires the commission to
serve as an advisory committee to the office of the governor and the Office
of Defense Affairs in the Texas Department of Economic Development, rather
than department, on the effect of the military on the economy of this
state.  Sets forth other powers and duties of the commission. 

Sec. 436.009.  ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.  Requires the Texas Department of
Economic Development to provide administrative support to the commission. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.