SRC-JEC S.B. 1016 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1016
77R6296 JMG-DBy: Madla
Intergovernmental Relations
3/16/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, no single entity is designated to review a regional planning
commission or council of governments' financial reports and audits in their
entirety.  As proposed, S.B. 1016 requires the state auditor to review each
financial statement of a regional planning commission and to report
deficiencies or issues to the legislative audit committee, the governor,
and the commission.  It also authorizes the governor to require a
corrective action plan and the legislative audit committee to require
further investigation if necessary. 

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 391.0095(e), Local Government Code, to require a
regional planning commission, council of governments, or similar regional
planning agency created under this chapter (commission) to send to the
state auditor, the comptroller, and the Legislative Budget Board a copy of
each report and audit required under this section or under Section 391.009.
Requires the state auditor to review each audit and report and to be given
access to working papers and other supporting documentation that the state
auditor determines is necessary to perform the review.  Requires the state
auditor, if significant issues involving the administration or operation of
a commission or its programs are found, to report its findings and related
recommendations to the legislative audit committee, the governor, and the
commission.  Authorizes the governor to direct the commission to prepare a
corrective action plan or other response to the state auditor's findings or
recommendations.  Authorizes the legislative audit committee to direct the
state auditor to perform any additional audit or investigative work that
the committee determines is necessary.  Deletes text regarding a question
about the appropriateness of an expenditure. 

SECTION 2.   Effective date: September 1, 2001.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.