SRC-BWC S.B. 1146 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1146
77R946 JJT-DBy: Shapleigh
State Affairs
3/30/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

In recent years, the Internet has permeated the public and private sector
as more organizations recognize its potential for supplying easy access to
information and services.  One-stop Internet sites, or portals are useful
gateways to information and services from multiple agencies or other
sources.  Texas introduced its TexasOnline portal in July 2000.  The Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission, along with 16 other agencies
which protect the environment and manage natural resources, offers
significant amounts of information on the Internet.  However, citizens and
businesses still find it difficult to determine which agency is responsible
for specific functions, issues, or information. As proposed, S.B. 1146
requires all state agencies that have jurisdiction over matters related to
environmental protection, quality, development, conservation, or
preservation to develop, in cooperation with each other, a single
information link through the TexasOnline portal. 

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 Chapter 2054F, Government Code, by adding Section
2054.127, as follows: 

Sec. 2054.127.  ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCIES INTERNET
PORTAL.  Requires state agencies that have jurisdiction over matters
related to environmental protection or quality or to the development,
conservation, or preservation of natural resources to develop, in mutual
cooperation with the Department of Information Resources (department), a
single information link, through the TexasOnline portal, to provide
electronic access to information and services related to the agencies'
authority and duties, including access to agency rules and other public
information.  Requires the department to coordinate the efforts of the
agencies in developing the information link to ensure that the efforts
produce a link that is compatible with efforts of the task force conducted
under Section 2054.062.  Authorizes the department, if the department has a
program management office, to delegate the coordination of efforts under
this section to that office. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.