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.