SRC-SEW S.J.R. 32 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.J.R. 32
By: West, Royce
Intergovernmental Relations
6/20/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the donation of used, outdated, or surplus equipment to
underdeveloped or impoverished countries is not allowed under Article III,
Section 52, of the Texas Constitution.  Under the Interlocal Cooperation
Act, Chapter 791, Government Code, only donations to bordering states or
other local governments are permitted.  The Dallas Fire Department wishes
to  
make donations to Mexico as a goodwill gesture.  The department believes
that the equipment would not attract attention to the open public market,
but might still be of great assistance to departments in municipalities
that are not as advanced and that have a recognizable need.  S.J.R. 32
authorizes a municipality to donate to an underdeveloped country outdated
or surplus equipment, supplies, or other materials used in fighting fires. 

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 Article III, Texas Constitution, by adding Section 52h,
as follows: 

Sec. 52h.  Authorizes a municipality to donate to an underdeveloped country
outdated or surplus equipment, supplies, or other materials used in
fighting fires. 

SECTION 2.  Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an election to be held November 6, 2001.  Requires the
ballot to be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition:  "The
constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities to donate outdated or
surplus firefighting equipment or supplies to underdeveloped counties."