79R5514 DWS-D

By:  Chavez                                                       H.B. No. 1169



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to an international trade council.                                   
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 481, Government Code, is 
amended by adding Section 481.041 to read as follows:
	Sec. 481.041.  INTERNATIONAL TRADE COUNCIL.  (a)  The office 
shall establish an international trade council.
	(b)  The council is composed of representatives of:                     
		(1)  the governor's office;                                            
		(2)  the secretary of state's office;                                  
		(3)  the comptroller's office;                                         
		(4)  the Department of Agriculture;                                    
		(5)  the Finance Commission of Texas; and                              
		(6)  the Texas Department of Transportation.                           
	(c)  The council may appoint additional members representing 
the business community, ports of entry for land, sea, and air 
traffic, and world trade centers.
	(d)  The council shall meet annually.                                   
	(e)  The council shall develop, evaluate, and coordinate a 
cohesive international strategy to enhance this state's 
competitiveness and stature in the international market.
	(f)  The council annually shall submit a report on the 
strategy under Subsection (e) and periodic updates to the strategy 
to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of 
representatives.
	(g)  Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the 
council.    
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.