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.