78R3815 MXM-D

By:  Alonzo                                                       H.B. No. 967



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to representation of constituents on state and local 
governing bodies.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 601, Government Code, is amended by 
adding Section 601.009 to read as follows:
	Sec. 601.009.  APPOINTMENTS TO LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNING 
BODIES.  (a)  In this section:
		(1)  "Local government" means a county, municipality, 
or other political subdivision of this state.
		(2)  "State agency" means a department, commission, 
board, office, council, authority, or other agency in the executive 
branch of state government that is created by the constitution or a 
statute of this state, including a university system or institution 
of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code.
	(b)  An appointment to the governing body of a local 
government or state agency must be made with the intent to ensure 
that the governing body is representative of the constituency 
served by the governing body.
	SECTION 2.  This Act applies only to an appointment made on 
or after the effective date of this Act.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.