SRC-JEC S.B. 151 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 151 77R2498 ATP-DBy: Gallegos Intergovernmental Relations 4/19/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, three members of the five-member Harris County Commissioners Court constitute a quorum. As proposed, S.B. 151 defines the number of commissioners constituting a quorum as a majority of the full membership of the court to allow for future expansion of the court's membership. 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 81.006, Local Government Code, to provide that a majority of the full membership, rather than three members, of the commissioners court is, rather than constitute, a quorum for conducting county business except the levying of a county tax. Authorizes the court to levy a county tax at any regularly scheduled meeting when at least two-thirds of the full membership, rather than four members, of the court are present. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2. Amends Section 81.005(b), Local Government Code, to make conforming changes. SECTION 3. Provides that this Act takes effect on the date on which the constitutional amendment proposed by the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, increasing the number of county commissioners in Harris County, takes effect. Provides that this Act has no effect if that amendment is not approved by the voters.