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


Senate Research Center   S.B. 738
77R5164 JMG-DBy: Bivins
Intergovernmental Relations
2/28/2001
As Filed


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.  As proposed, S.B. 738 allows
a governing official in a municipality with a population of less than
10,000 to serve as a volunteer for an organization that protects the
health, safety, or welfare of the  municipality. 

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, as
follows: 

CHAPTER 21. New heading: 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.
Provides that this section applies only to a municipality with a population
of less than 10,000. 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. 

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