SRC-MWN H.J.R. 85 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.J.R. 85 By: Bosse (Lindsay) Education 5/8/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, the Texas Constitution prohibits state employees or other individuals who are compensated directly or indirectly from state funds from receiving a salary for serving as a member of a governing body of a school district, city, town, or other local governmental district, including a water district. This may be a disincentive to some individuals who are qualified to serve as a board member. H.J.R. 85 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional amendment authorizing a teacher or retired schoolteacher to receive compensation for serving as a member of a governing body of a water district. 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 40, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, to prohibit certain state employees or other individuals from receiving a salary for serving as members of such governing bodies, except that a schoolteacher, retired school teacher, or retired school administrator are authorized to receive compensation for serving as a member of a governing body of a water district created under Section 59 (Conservation and Development of Natural Resources; Conservation and Reclamation Districts), Article XVI or Section 52 (Counties, Cities or other Political Corporations or Subdivisions; Lending Credit; Grants; Bonds), Article III. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Requires a proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 6, 2001. Requires the ballot to be printed and contain certain language.