SRC-AMY H.B. 2701 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2701 78R9429 KSD-FBy: Keffer, Jim (Estes) Business & Commerce 5/20/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Under current state law, the commissioner of insurance, through the state fire marshal, is authorized to provide fire prevention and safety education. Like other state agencies, the state fire marshal's office faces significant budget cuts in light of the budget shortfall. Fire prevention and safety education services are among those services that may be subject to budget cuts. H.B. 2701 requires the commissioner of insurance through the state fire marshal to provide fire prevention and safety education and authorizes the acceptance of gifts, grants, and donations from any source for that purpose. 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 417.0051, Government Code, to require, rather than authorize, the commissioner of insurance (commissioner), through the state fire marshal, to use pertinent and timely facts relating to fires to develop educational programs and disseminate materials necessary to educate the public effectively regarding methods of fire prevention and safety, and authorizes the commissioner, through the state fire marshal, to accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source for the purposes of this section. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.