H.B. No. 2455




AN ACT
relating to the governmental entities subject to, and the confidentiality of records under, the sunset review process. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
ARTICLE 1. ENTITIES GIVEN 2005 SUNSET DATE
SECTION 1.01. STATE BOARD FOR EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION. Section 21.035, Education Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 21.035. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. (a) The board is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the board is abolished and this subchapter expires September 1, 2005 [2003]. (b) The board and the Texas Education Agency shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to consolidate administrative functions and services. (c) The sunset commission shall focus its review of the board on the appropriateness of recommendations made by the sunset commission to the 78th Legislature and compliance with the MOU to consolidate functions. SECTION 1.02. WINDHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT WITHIN TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE. Chapter 19, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 19.0021 to read as follows: Sec. 19.0021. SPECIAL PURPOSE REVIEW. (a) As part of its review of the Texas Education Agency for the 79th Legislature, the Sunset Advisory Commission shall conduct a special purpose review of the Windham School District. (b) To assist the Sunset Advisory Commission in its review, the Texas Education Agency shall: (1) conduct a limited scope review of the structure, management, and operations of the Windham School District; and (2) report the results of the review to the commission before March 1, 2004. (c) The Texas Education Agency shall consult the Sunset Advisory Commission regarding the scope of the review to minimize the cost of the review. (d) After considering the report of the Texas Education Agency, the Sunset Advisory Commission shall include in the commission's report to the 79th Legislature, Regular Session, 2005, any recommendations relating to the Windham School District that the commission considers appropriate. (e) This section expires September 1, 2005. SECTION 1.03. TEXAS LOTTERY COMMISSION AND LOTTERY DIVISION. (a) Section 467.002, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 467.002. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The commission is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the commission is abolished and this Act expires September 1, 2005 [2003]. In the review of the commission by the Sunset Advisory Commission, as required by this section, the sunset commission shall limit its review to the appropriateness of recommendations made by the sunset commission to the 78th Legislature. In the Sunset Advisory Commission's report to the 79th Legislature, the sunset commission may include any recommendations it considers appropriate. (b) Section 466.003(a), Government Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The lottery division is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the division is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2005 [2003]. In the review of the lottery division by the Sunset Advisory Commission, as required by this section, the sunset commission shall limit its review to the appropriateness of recommendations made by the sunset commission to the 78th Legislature. In the Sunset Advisory Commission's report to the 79th Legislature, the sunset commission may include any recommendations it considers appropriate. (c) This section takes effect only if the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, does not enact other legislation that becomes law and that amends Section 467.002, Government Code, to extend the sunset date of the Texas Lottery Commission. If the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, enacts legislation of that kind, this section has no effect. SECTION 1.04. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS. (a) Section 2306.022, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 2306.022. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the department is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2005 [2003]. In the review of the department by the Sunset Advisory Commission, as required by this section, the sunset commission shall limit its review to the appropriateness of recommendations made by the sunset commission to the 78th Legislature and the extent to which the department has implemented laws enacted by the 77th Legislature in continuing the department. In the Sunset Advisory Commission's report to the 79th Legislature, the sunset commission may include any recommendations it considers appropriate. (b) This section takes effect only if the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, does not enact other legislation that becomes law and that amends Section 2306.022, Government Code, to extend the sunset date of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. If the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, enacts legislation of that kind, this section has no effect. SECTION 1.05. TEXAS AFFORDABLE HOUSING CORPORATION. (a) Section 2306.5521, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 2306.5521. SUNSET PROVISION. The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the corporation is abolished and this subchapter expires September 1, 2005 [2003]. In the review of the corporation by the Sunset Advisory Commission, as required by this section, the sunset commission shall limit its review to the appropriateness of recommendations made by the sunset commission to the 78th Legislature. In the Sunset Advisory Commission's report to the 79th Legislature, the sunset commission may include any recommendations it considers appropriate. (b) This section takes effect only if the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, does not enact other legislation that becomes law and that amends Section 2306.5521, Government Code, to extend the sunset date of the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation. If the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, enacts legislation of that kind, this section has no effect. SECTION 1.06. TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD. (a) Section 61.0211, Education Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 61.0211. SUNSET PROVISION. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the board is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2005 [2003]. In the review of the board by the sunset commission, as required by this section, the commission shall limit its review to the appropriateness of recommendations made by the commission to the 78th Legislature. In the commission's report to the 79th Legislature, the commission may include any recommendations it considers appropriate. (b) This section takes effect only if the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, does not enact other legislation that becomes law and that amends Section 61.0211, Education Code, to extend the sunset date of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. If the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, enacts legislation of that kind, this section has no effect.
ARTICLE 2. ENTITIES GIVEN 2007 SUNSET DATE
SECTION 2.01. TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION. Section 434.002(a), Government Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The Texas Veterans Commission is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the commission is abolished September 1, 2007 [2005]. SECTION 2.02. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE. Section 31.004, Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 31.004. SUNSET PROVISION. The Texas Department of Insurance is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the department is abolished September 1, 2007 [2005]. SECTION 2.03. OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSURANCE COUNSEL. Section 7, Article 1.35A, Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 7. APPLICABILITY OF SUNSET ACT. The office of public insurance counsel is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the office is abolished September 1, 2007 [2005]. SECTION 2.04. PRESCRIBED BURNING BOARD. Section 153.044, Natural Resources Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 153.044. SUNSET PROVISION. The Prescribed Burning Board is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the board is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2007 [2009]. SECTION 2.05. VETERANS' LAND BOARD. Section 161.0111, Natural Resources Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 161.0111. SUNSET PROVISION. The Veterans' Land Board is subject to review under Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act), but is not abolished under that chapter. The board shall be reviewed during the period in which state agencies abolished in 2007 [2005] and every 12th year after 2007 [2005] are reviewed. SECTION 2.06. REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE CENTERS. If the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, enacts legislation that becomes law and that makes regional education service centers subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act), the comptroller of public accounts shall assist the Sunset Advisory Commission in its review. The comptroller shall conduct a review of the regional education service centers and report the results of the review to the Sunset Advisory Commission before March 1, 2004. The comptroller shall consult the Sunset Advisory Commission regarding the scope of the review. The report shall also be transmitted to the presiding officers of the standing committee in the senate and the house of representatives responsible for public education.
ARTICLE 3. ENTITIES GIVEN 2009 SUNSET DATE
SECTION 3.01. EQUINE RESEARCH ACCOUNT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Section 88.524(b), Education Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) The Equine Research Account Advisory Committee is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the advisory committee is abolished and this subchapter expires September 1, 2009 [2005]. SECTION 3.02. TEXASONLINE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES. Section 2054.2645, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 2054.2645. SUNSET PROVISION. The division is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the division is abolished September 1, 2009 [2005]. SECTION 3.03. ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES. Section 2055.003, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 2055.003. SUNSET PROVISION. The office is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the office is abolished September 1, 2009 [2005]. SECTION 3.04. STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY. Section 401.002, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 401.002. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the board is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2009 [2005]. SECTION 3.05. STATE COMMITTEE OF EXAMINERS IN THE FITTING AND DISPENSING OF HEARING INSTRUMENTS. Section 402.002, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 402.002. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The State Committee of Examiners in the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the committee is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2009 [2005]. SECTION 3.06. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EXAMINERS. Section 452.002, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 452.002. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the executive council is abolished and the following laws expire September 1, 2009 [2005]: (1) this chapter; (2) Chapter 453; and (3) Chapter 454. SECTION 3.07. TEXAS BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY EXAMINERS. Section 453.002, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 453.002. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the board is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2009 [2005]. SECTION 3.08. TEXAS BOARD OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EXAMINERS. Section 454.003, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 454.003. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the board is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2009 [2005]. SECTION 3.09. TEXAS RACING COMMISSION. Section 18.01(a), Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), is amended to read as follows: (a) The Texas Racing Commission is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, and except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the commission is abolished and this Act expires September 1, 2009 [2005].
ARTICLE 4. ENTITIES GIVEN 2011 SUNSET DATE
SECTION 4.01. CORRECTIONAL MANAGED HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE. Section 501.132, Government Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 501.132. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Correctional Managed Health Care Committee is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the committee is abolished and this subchapter expires September 1, 2011 [2005].
ARTICLE 5. ENTITIES GIVEN 2013 SUNSET DATE
SECTION 5.01. ON-SITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL. Section 367.003(a), Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The council is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the council is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2013 [2005].
ARTICLE 6. ENTITIES REMOVED FROM SPECIFIC SUNSET REVIEW
SECTION 6.01. REPEALER. The following laws are repealed: (1) Section 50A.003, Agriculture Code (Texas Food for Health Advisory Council); (2) Section 262.057, Occupations Code (Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee); (3) Section 8, Chapter 105, Acts of the 76th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999 (Article 2654-3g, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes) (Texas Environmental Education Partnership Fund); and (4) Section 1.12, Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993 (Edwards Aquifer Authority).
ARTICLE 7. CONFIDENTIALITY OF SUNSET RECORDS
SECTION 7.01. CONFIDENTIALITY. Chapter 325, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 325.0195 to read as follows: Sec. 325.0195. RECORDS PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE. (a) A working paper, including all documentary or other information, prepared or maintained by the commission staff in performing its duties under this chapter or other law to conduct an evaluation and prepare a report is excepted from the public disclosure requirements of Section 552.021. (b) A record held by another entity that is considered to be confidential by law and that the commission receives in connection with the performance of the commission's functions under this chapter or another law remains confidential and is excepted from the public disclosure requirements of Section 552.021.
ARTICLE 8. EFFECTIVE DATE
SECTION 8.01. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003. ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.B. No. 2455 was passed by the House on May 2, 2003, by a non-record vote; that the House refused to concur in Senate amendments to H.B. No. 2455 on May 30, 2003, and requested the appointment of a conference committee to consider the differences between the two houses; and that the House adopted the conference committee report on H.B. No. 2455 on June 1, 2003, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.B. No. 2455 was passed by the Senate, with amendments, on May 28, 2003, by a viva-voce vote; at the request of the House, the Senate appointed a conference committee to consider the differences between the two houses; and that the Senate adopted the conference committee report on H.B. No. 2455 on June 1, 2003, by a viva-voce vote. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________ Date __________________ Governor