SRC-SEW S.B. 1197 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1197 77R9148 TBy: Carona State Affairs 3/13/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE In 1991, the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drugs established a program to address the problem of compulsive gambling. At this time, there is no effort being made to determine the impact of compulsive gambling on individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and communities and what services should be provided to help those affected by this problem. As proposed, S.B. 1197 creates a blue ribbon panel to study and make recommendations for a strategic plan for the education, prevention, and treatment of problem gambling. S.B. 1197 also establishes an interagency council to coordinate the state's resources in meeting the needs of individuals, and entities impacted by problem and pathological gambling. 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 461, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 461.019, as follows: Sec. 461.019. INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING. (a) Establishes the Interagency Council on Problem Gambling (interagency council) to foster cooperation between agencies in order to meet the needs of individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and communities impacted by problem gambling. (b) Provides that the membership of the interagency council includes high-level representatives as appointed by the directors of certain stated entities. (c) Requires the appointed representative of the Health and Human Services Commission (commission) to serve as the presiding officer of the interagency council. Authorizes the commission to provide administrative support to the committee. (d) Requires the Texas Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling to appoint one or more persons to serve as advisors to the interagency council. (e) Requires the interagency council to meet at least once each quarter of each calendar year on dates determined by the interagency council members. (f) Requires the interagency council to make quarterly reports to the governor, speaker of the house, and lieutenant governor. Requires the quarterly report to include the efforts of each agency to address the needs of Texans impacted by problem gambling. SECTION 2. (a) Establishes a Blue Ribbon Panel on Problem Gambling to study problem gambling in order to develop a strategic plan to provide education, prevention, and the treatment of problem and pathological gambling in Texas. (b) Sets forth guidelines for the composition of the panel. (c) Requires that initial appointments be made no later than December 31, 2001. Requires the governor to appoint one of the members to serve as presiding officer of the blue ribbon panel. Provides that Chapter 2110 (State Agency Advisory Committees), Government Code, does not apply to the panel. Provides that a member of the panel is not entitled to compensation or reimbursement by the state for travel expenses related to the business of the panel, unless the person is a member by virtue of state employment, in which event the employing agency is required to reimburse the member for reasonable and necessary expenses. Authorizes the entities represented by the members of the panel to provide staff and other support services as needed by the panel. (d) Requires the Texas Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling to designate one or more persons to serve as a resource to the committee. (e) Sets forth guidelines concerning the duties of the blue ribbon panel. (f) Requires the blue ribbon panel to submit a report based on its findings to the 78th Legislature not later than January 15, 2003. Requires the panel to submit to the legislature, as part of its report, a strategic plan that includes a timetable for implementation. SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.