SRC-VRA H.B. 873 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 873 78R4170 YDB-DBy: Cook, Robby(Armbrister) Intergovernmental Relations 4/7/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The 77th Texas Legislature passed legislation establishing the rural volunteer fire department insurance program and imposed a two percent sales tax on fireworks. Prior to the establishment of this fund, the primary source of revenue for rural volunteer fire departments in this state was through fundraisers and donations. As proposed, H.B. 873 adds the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as a certifying entity in the definition of "volunteer fire department" and authorizes expenses reimbursement for members of the advisory committee for the rural volunteer fire department insurance program. 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 Section 614.071(6), Government Code, as added by Chapter 1363, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, to add the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as a certifying entity in the definition of "volunteer fire department." SECTION 2. Amends Section 614.073, Government Code, as added by Chapter 1363, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, to provide that a member of the advisory committee is entitled to reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses incurred by the member in performing duties as a member of the advisory committee, subject to any applicable limitation on reimbursement provided by general law or the General Appropriations Act. Prohibits a member from receiving compensation for services. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.