SRC-VRA C.S.S.B. 1161 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1161
78R12616 PAM-FBy: Barrientos
Intergovernmental Relations
4/24/2003
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, counties have limited authority to charge for online services,
and statutory language limits the type of services offered to information
access and collections.  C.S.S.B. 1161 allows a county the flexibility to
provide new services and recapture the cost of service when new electronic
services are provided.  

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 132.007, Local Government Code, as follows:

Sec.  132.007.  New heading:  INFORMATION, SERVICES AND PAYMENT THROUGH
THE INTERNET.  (a)  Authorizes a county or municipality to provide through
the Internet other county and municipal services authorized by law. 

(b)  Authorizes a county or municipality to charge a reasonable fee for
providing a service authorized by this section. 

(c)  Authorizes a county or municipality that provides access to
information or provides services through the Internet under Subsection (a)
(3) to perform certain functions.  Makes conforming changes. 

(d)  Authorizes a county or municipality to contract with a vendor to
perform any service or activity authorized by Subsection (a).  Requires
the county or municipality to approve any fee charged by a vendor under a
contract authorized by this subsection.     

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.