H.B. 983 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 983
By: Talton
Local Government Ways and Means
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current statutory law grants municipalities and counties the authority to
request that the Department of Public Safety conduct background checks on
potential employees.  The authority was granted because employees of both
counties and municipalities often enter upon the property of residents
and, therefore, should be of the highest moral and ethical character.  The
duties of employees of an appraisal district are no different.  In order
to evaluate property, staff must visit and inspect property. In addition,
employees are responsible for setting property values, which allocate
billions of dollars in local tax revenue. It is most important that
prospective employees with a questionable background be immediately
eliminated from employment consideration.  The purpose of HB 983 is to
grant the authority to appraisal districts to request a background check
from the Department of Public Safety. 

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

Section One of HB 983 amends Chapter 411 of the Government Code to grant
the authority to appraisal districts to request background checks on an
applicant for employment.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

Immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to
each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.
If the Act does not receive the necessary vote it takes effect September
1, 2003.