BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 2410

79R5282 JJT-D                                                                                                By: Bonnen (Jackson)

Natural Resources

5/11/2005

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Texas Environmental Education Partnership Fund was created by the 76th Legislature to further the nexus between education and business on environmental issues.  The 12 members of the board of directors of the fund serve two-year renewable terms.  It has proven difficult for the governor's office to keep qualified people interested in serving on the board. 

H.B. 2410 provides that 11, rather than 12, members serve on the board and allows for six-year staggered terms for board members. 

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 Sections 5(a), (b), and (c), Chapter 105, Acts of the 76 Legislature, Regular Session, 1999 (Article 2654-3g, V.T.C.S), as follows:

(a)  Provides that the board of directors of the Texas Environmental Education Partnership Fund (board) consists of not more than 11, rather than 12, members appointed by specific government officials.

(b)  Requires the group of nine, rather than 10, members appointed by the governor to be culturally, ethnically, and geographically diverse.

(c)  Provides that board members serve staggered six-year terms with the terms of three of four members expiring February 1 of each odd-numbered year.

SECTION 2.  Provides that notwithstanding the changes in law made by this Act, all members of the board serving on the effective date of this Act continue to serve until their terms expire February 1, 2007.  Requires the lieutenant governor, in making appointments to the board under Section 5, Chapter 105, Acts of the 76th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999 (Article 2654-3g, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), as amended by this Act, for the terms beginning February 1, 2007, to appoint one board member to represent the senate for a term that expires February 1, 2013, and requires the governor to make other specific appointments.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.