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.