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.