H.J.R. No. 61A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities to donate surplus fire-fighting equipment or supplies for the benefit of rural volunteer fire departments. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended by adding Section 52i to read as follows: Sec. 52i. (a) A municipality may donate surplus equipment, supplies, or other materials used in fighting fires to the Texas Forest Service or to a successor agency authorized to cooperate in the development of rural fire protection plans. (b) The Texas Forest Service or the successor agency may, based on need, redistribute to rural volunteer fire departments the equipment, supplies, or materials donated under Subsection (a). SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2003. The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities to donate surplus fire-fighting equipment or supplies for the benefit of rural volunteer fire departments." ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.J.R. No. 61 was passed by the House on April 9, 2003, by the following vote: Yeas 142, Nays 0, 1 present, not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.J.R. No. 61 was passed by the Senate on May 20, 2003, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate RECEIVED: _____________________ Date _____________________ Secretary of State