H.B. 24 78(3) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 24 By: Heflin Appropriations Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chapter 1305 of the Occupations Code [the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act] was enacted by the 78th Legislature, Regular Session to establish the Electrical Safety and Licensing Advisory Board, provide minimum state standards for electricians and electrical contractors, and allow the Commission of Licensing and Regulation to adopt fees to cover the cost of administering the Act. The purpose of House Bill 24 is for the appropriation of the fees collected by the Department of Licensing and Regulation under Chapter 1305 of the Occupations Code to the department for administering that chapter. There was no specific appropriation authority given to the department by the 78th Legislature, Regular Session to administer Chapter 1305 of the Occupations Code with fees collected under that chapter. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS H.B. 24 appropriates fees collected beginning September 1, 2003 under Chapter 1305, Occupations Code, to the Department of Licensing and Regulation for the purpose of administering that chapter. H.B. 24 increases the full-time equivalent position limitation by 32. H.B. 24 requires any increase in state employee benefit costs incurred under Chapter 1305, Occupations Code, to be covered by the appropriation made in this bill. EFFECTIVE DATE Immediate effect if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house. If this act does not receive the vote for immediate effect, the act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.