BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                       H.B. 571

79R8720 ATP-D                                                                                                    By: Hegar (Janek)

Intergovernmental Relations

5/9/2005

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 571 allows a county to establish auxiliary offices in the unincorporated areas of the county.  The establishment of these satellite offices would allow greater access to county government for rural citizens and communities located some distance from county offices.

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 Subchapter B, Chapter 292, Local Government Code, by adding Section 292.030, as follows:

Sec. 292.030.  FACILITIES IN UNINCORPORATED AREA OF COUNTY.  (a)  Authorizes the commissioners court of a county to purchase, construct, reconstruct, improve, equip, or provide for by other means, including by lease or lease with an option to purchase, a branch office in the unincorporated area of the county.

(b)  Authorizes any county officer to maintain an office and the county to provide any county service at the branch office authorized by this section.  Requires the maintenance of an office or the provision of a service at the branch office to be in addition to an office maintained or service provided at any other location required by law.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.