SRC-TJG S.B. 124 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 124 78R1075 JJT-DBy: Shapleigh Finance 5/1/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) was established to provide funding for public schools, libraries, community colleges and non-profit medical establishments, to support investments in computers, software, and telecommunications networks. TIF has generated over $1 billion through fees assessed against certain telecommunications companies. If not continued by statute, the TIF board will be abolished in 2005. As proposed, S.B. 124 extends the life of the TIF board through September 1, 2009, and raises the ceiling of the amount that may be collected to $2 billion. 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 57.051, Utilities Code, by changing the expiration year of this subchapter from 2005 to 2009. SECTION 2. Amends Sections 57.048(c) and (d), Utilities Code, as follows: (c) Increases from $1.5 billion to $2 billion the maximum total amount of money which may be deposited in the telecommunications infrastructure fund (fund), excluding interest and loan repayment. Changes the total amount of money deposited in the fund which requires the comptroller of public accounts of the State of Texas (comptroller) to impose an assessment under the Sunset law from $1.2 billion to $1.8 billion. Makes a conforming change regarding the total deposit amount. (d) Increases from $1.49 billion to $1.99 billion the total amount of money deposited in the fund after which the comptroller is prohibited from collecting an assessment during a fiscal year. Makes a conforming change regarding the total deposit amount. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.