H.B. 5 78(2)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 5
By: Swinford
Government Reform
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, when making appointments to the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Commission, the Governor does not have to take into consideration the
geographic areas represented by members of the commission, the appropriate
balance of members from rural and urban areas, or the interest or
knowledge of members in hunting, fishing, wildlife, environmental
concerns, land or water use issues, or water quality issues.  

HB 5 requires the Governor to take these factors into consideration when
contemplating appointments to the Commission. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

HB 5 relates to the composition of the Parks and Wildlife Commission.  It
requires the Governor, when making appointments, to consider the
commission's composition in terms of geographic areas represented by
members of the commission and the appropriate balance of members from
rural and urban areas.  The bill allows the Governor to consider persons
having an interest or knowledge in hunting, fishing, wildlife,
environmental concerns, land or water use issues, or water quality issues. 

The bill specifies that as soon as possible on or after December  1, 2003,
the governor shall appoint nine members to the Commission.  The bill
provides guidelines regarding staggered terms and the expiration of
current members' terms. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act takes effect December 1, 2003.