H.B. 1616 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 1616 By: Farabee Energy Resources Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The 77th Legislature (HB 2845) directed the State Energy Conservation Office to develop a statewide plan for the coordinated acceleration of the commercialization of fuel cell generation in Texas. As a result of this plan, the energy office has taken the lead for information concerning fuel cells and available federal funds and programs that can be brought into this state. President Bush has recently announced an increase in federal funding of fuel cell research, development, and commercialization to a total of $1.7 billion over the next five years. House Bill 1616 directs the State Energy Conservation Office to partner with the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies in order to ensure that federal funding for fuel cell research, development, and commercialization comes to Texas. 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 1. Chapter 447, Government Code as amended by Chapters 573, 1158, and 1398, Acts of the 77th Legislature, 2001, is amended by adding Section 447.012 to require the State Energy Conservation Office to partner with the United States Department of Energy and other federal agencies or programs to develop cooperative programs related to research, development and demonstration of fuel cell technology in this state. EFFECTIVE DATE This Act Takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003.