BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 229
79R2995 DWS-F By: Lucio et al.
International Relations and Trade
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
During recent years, residents of border communities have voiced concerns regarding their inability to provide input over trade-related concerns to the administration of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Entities along the Texas-Mexico border have held that one way which the state can increase bilateral relations with Texas' number one trading partner is to expand the opportunities for local communities to provide their input, ideas, and concerns to a community outreach advisory committee under DPS.
As proposed, S.B. 229 establishes an Advisory Oversight Community Outreach Committee (committee) affording DPS the benefit of recommendations developed by communities directly involved in cross-border trade activity. Additionally, the committee could act as an ombudsman between border communities, residents, and others with DPS administration, providing greater access to DPS administration for Texas's border communities.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Public Safety Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 411.0197, Government Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 411, Government Code, by adding Section 411.0197, as follows:
Sec. 411.0197. ADVISORY OVERSIGHT COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE. (a) Requires the Public Safety Commission (commission) to establish an Advisory Oversight Community Outreach Committee (committee) in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and authorizes the commission to adopt rules for the implementation and operation of the committee. Requires the committee to meet at the times and places specified by commission rule or at the call of the presiding officer or any two members. Provides that Chapter 2110 (pertaining to state agency advisory committees), does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the committee.
(b) Requires the governor to appoint the members of the committee. Provides that the committee must be comprised of certain individuals. Provides that members of the committee serve staggered terms of six years, with as near as possible to one-third of the members' terms expiring January 1 of each even-numbered year. Provides that committee member serves without compensation for service on the committee, but are entitled to expense reimbursement as provided by the General Appropriations Act.
(c) Requires the governor to designate the committee's presiding officer from amongst its members. Provides that the presiding officer serves at the will of the governor.
(d) Requires the committee to document certain trade-related incidents to the commission, to develop recommendations and strategies for certain activities, and to act as ombudsman between DPS and the communities located and residents residing in the border area of this state and the United Mexican States.
(e) Requires the commission, in determining action to be taken on the committee's information and recommendations, to consider the importance of trade with the United Mexican States and the concern expressed by communities affected by the actions of DPS personnel.
(f) Requires the commission to submit a report containing certain documentation no later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year to the lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and each other member of the legislature.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.