SRC-SEW S.B. 738 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 738
By: Bivins
Intergovernmental Relations
6/14/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, small towns have difficulty finding enough people to fill
municipal positions such as firefighters, police reserve members, or EMS
volunteers.  Some members of the governing body may wish to fill these
positions by serving in these volunteer capacities; however, current law
does not allow for this type of dual service.  S.B. 738 allows a governing
official in a municipality to serve as a volunteer for an organization that
protects the health, safety, or welfare of the  municipality, provided that
the governing body adopts aresolution allowing members of the governing
body to do so.   

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 the heading to Chapter 21, Local Government Code, to read
as follows: 

CHAPTER 21. GENERAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING GOVERNING BODY OF MUNICIPALITY

SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 21A, Local Government Code, by adding section
21.002, as follows: 

Sec. 21.002. MEMBERS OF CERTAIN MUNICIPAL GOVERNING BODIES MAY VOLUNTEER.
Authorizes a member of the governing board of a municipality to serve as a
volunteer for an organization that protects the health, safety, or welfare
of the municipality regardless of whether the organization is funded or
supported in whole or part by the municipality if the governing body adopts
a resolution allowing members of the governing body to perform service of
that nature. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.