SRC-VRA H.B. 3306 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3306 By: Berman (Duncan) Finance 5/19/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Due to the current budget shortfall, state agencies and institutions of higher education were asked to prioritize spending based on core functions and essential services. Legislators looked to these priorities in preparation of the budget; however, certain statutory changes are also needed to conform with appropriations levels in the 2004-05 General Appropriations Act. H.B. 3306 authorizes these statutory changes for the judiciary agencies listed under Article IV of the 2004-05 General Appropriations Act. 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. Authorizes the amounts or entitlements required by statute for individuals or entities that receive state funds under Article IV of the General Appropriations Act to be reduced or eliminated in order to achieve a balanced budget. SECTION 2. Provides that an active, former, or retired visiting judge or justice is not entitled to an amount from the state for expenses, per diem, travel, or salary that exceeds the amount authorized for those purposes by the General Appropriations Act. SECTION 3. Provides that a local administrative district judge is not entitled to a salary from the state under Section 659.0125, Government Code, that exceeds the amount authorized for that salary by the General Appropriations Act. SECTION 4. Provides that an active district judge is not entitled to travel expenses under Section 24.019, Government Code, in an amount that exceeds the amount authorized for those expenses by the General Appropriations Act. SECTION 5. Provides that a judge, justice, or prosecuting attorney is not entitled to an amount from the state for a salary, a salary supplement, office expenses or reimbursement of office expenses, or travel that exceeds the amount authorized for those purposes by the General Appropriations Act. SECTION 6. (a) Provides that a county is not entitled to receive from the state supplemental salary compensation for county prosecutors under Section 46.0031, Government Code, or longevity pay supplements reimbursement under Section 41.255, Government Code, or any other supplements for prosecutors, in an amount that exceeds the amount appropriated for those purposes by the General Appropriations Act. (b) Provides that a county is not entitled to state contributions for salaries or supplements under Chapter 25 or 26, Government Code, in an amount that exceeds the amounts appropriated for those purposes in the General Appropriations Act. (c) Provides that a county is not entitled to reimbursement under Article 11.071, Code of Criminal Procedure, for reimbursement for compensation and payment of expenses of counsel under Article 11.071, Code of Criminal Procedure, for counsel appointed under that article or prior law in an amount that exceeds the amount appropriated for that purpose in the General Appropriations Act. SECTION 7. Provides that a person reimbursed by the state for travel and expenses for attendance as a witness as provided by Article 35.27, Code of Criminal Procedure, is not entitled to an amount that exceeds the amount appropriated for that purpose by the General Appropriations Act. SECTION 8. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.