BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 164

                                                                                                                                   By: Wentworth

Government Reform

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The term of office and residency requirements for the commissioner of the General Land Office and other statewide elected officials in the executive branch are provided for in Article IV, Section 23, of the Texas Constitution.  The commissioner of the General Land Office is the only office in Article IV, Section 23, for which residency requirements are also codified by statute. 

As proposed, S.B. 164 repeals Section 31.012, Natural Resources Code, regarding the land commissioner's term of office and residency, conforming that office's term and residency requirements to the Texas Constitution and to other statewide elected officials. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Repealer: Section 31.012 (Commissioner's Election; Residence), Natural Resources Code.

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

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2005.