SRC-VRA H.B. 1771 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1771
78R7011 DLF-FBy: Keel (Wentworth)
Administration
5/8/2003
Engrossed

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, 9-1-1 spending by a county that is part of the statewide 9-1-1
system is limited. Generally, spending is limited to the expenses involved
in the emergency call coming to the call center.  The process stops at
that point and it does not include the cost of the person answering the
call, or any service or equipment beyond that point.  H.B. 1771 expands
the definition of how 9-1-1 funds may be spent to authorize a county with
a population of at least 700,000 to use revenue for any costs considered
necessary by the Commission on State Emergency Communications. 

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 771.075, Health and Safety Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 771, Health and Safety Code, by
adding Section 771.0751, as follows: 

Sec.  771.0751.  USE OF REVENUE IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.  (a)  Provides that
this section only applies to the use of fees and surcharges collected
under this subchapter in a county subject to this subchapter with a
population of at least 700,000.  

(b)  Authorizes fees and surcharges collected under this subchapter, in
addition to the use authorized or required by Section 771.072(e) or (f),
771.073(e), or 771.075, to be used for any costs considered necessary by
the Commission on State Emergency Communications and attributable to
certain goals.  

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  Upon passage or September 1, 2003.