HBA-CMT S.B. 200 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 200
By: Madla
State Affairs
5/10/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Regional planning commissions, councils of governments, or similar regional
planning agencies (commission) are defined by law as political subdivisions
of the state, but they have no regulatory power or other authority
possessed by cities, counties, or other local governments.  Commissions
operate a variety of programs and provide services designed to meet
regional needs.  Specific programs and activities often stem from contracts
or agreements with state or federal agencies, other regional organizations,
and local governments. Currently, state agencies and commissions are not
required to coordinate with each other in the implementation of state
programs. Senate Bill 200 requires coordination between state agencies and
commissions in the implementation of state programs at the regional level.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 200 amends the Local Government Code to require state agencies
when carrying out their planning and program development responsibilities
to coordinate planning with regional planning commissions, councils of
governments, or other similar regional planning agencies to ensure
effective and orderly implementation of state programs at the regional
level.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.