BILL ANALYSIS
By: Estes
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
There is an increasing need for coordinated programs and services for residents of rural communities. Organizations with established programs and delivery systems work together to provide cohesive resources to rural Texans. The Interagency Work Group on Rural Issues (work group) was created by the Texas Legislature to make recommendations for developing rural policy.
Under current law, the work group does not include an agency whose sole purpose is providing problem-solving options for rural Texans. This bill allows the governor to designate a representative to provide these services to the state, specifically in rural areas, as a member of the work group. This designee can assist other state agencies in developing regulatory and legislative recommendations that would benefit rural Texans.
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
This bill updates the names of certain state agencies that have changed. It also requires certain agency heads or designees to meet in Austin at least once a year to discuss rural issues and to provide information showing the impact each agency has on rural communities.
The bill requires the governor to designate a representative from the entity that provides mediation services to the state to attend these meetings.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.