H.B. 3443 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 3443
By: Pickett
Appropriations
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 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.  The committee 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.  House Bill 3443 authorizes these statutory changes
for the business and economic development agencies listed under Article
VII of the 2004-05 General Appropriations Act.   
 

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

House Bill 3443 authorizes the legislature to reduce statutory amounts
going to Article VII state agencies if necessary to balance the budget. 

House Bill 3443 directs the Texas Aerospace Commission, Texas Department
of Economic Development, Texas Department of Housing and Community
Affairs, Texas Lottery Commission, Office of Rural Community Affairs,
Texas Department of Transportation, and Texas Workforce Commission to
reduce expenditures by (1) consolidating reports or publications the
agency is required to make and filing or delivering any of those reports
or publications exclusively by electronic means; (2) extending the
effective period of any license, permit, or registration the agency grants
or administers; (3) contracting for services with other governmental
entities or private vendors to carry out any of the agency's duties; (4)
adopting additional eligibility requirement for benefits and services; (5)
requiring all communications between the agency and another person and
documents required to be delivered by the agency be made or delivered
electronically; and (6) adopting fees to cover any costs the agency incurs
in performing its duties. 
  

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003.