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.