SRC-VRA S.B. 1536 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1536
78R7011 DLF-FBy: Wentworth
Intergovernmental Relations
4/14/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, 9-1-1 spending by a county that is part of the statewide 9-1-1
system is limited. Generally, spending is limited to the expenses involved
in the emergency call coming to the call center.  The process stops at
that point and it does not include the cost of the person answering the
call, or any service or equipment beyond that point.  As proposed, S.B.
1536 expands the definition of how 9-1-1 funds may be spent to authorize a
county with a population of at least 700,000 to use revenue for any costs
considered necessary by the Commission on State Emergency Communications. 

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 771.075, Health and Safety Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 771D, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
771.0751, as follows: 

Sec.  771.0751.  USE OF REVENUE IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.  (a)  Provides that
this section only applies to the use of fees and surcharges collected
under this subchapter in a county subject to this subchapter with a
population of at least 700,000.  

(b)  Authorizes fees and surcharges collected under this subchapter, in
addition to the use authorized or required by Section 771.072(e) or (f),
771.073(e), or 771.075, to be used for any costs considered necessary by
the Commission on State Emergency Communications and attributable to
certain goals.  

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  Upon passage or September 1, 2003.