79R6740 MTB-D

By:  Hopson                                                       H.B. No. 3050



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the creation of an economic development plan for local 
communities affected by the closure or change in operation of a 
state school or hospital.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is 
amended by adding Section 531.078 to read as follows:
	Sec. 531.078.  NOTIFICATION AND PLAN.  (a)  Before the 
commission may close, downsize, privatize, or consolidate 
operations of a state hospital or state school operated or managed 
by a health and human services agency, the commission shall notify 
the governor of:
		(1)  the proposed action;                                              
		(2)  the number of state employee positions that will 
be eliminated because of the proposed action; and
		(3)  the economic impact to the local community in 
which the proposed action is to occur.
	(b)  After the governor receives the notice required under 
Subsection (a), the governor shall prepare and fund an economic 
development plan for the local community in which the proposed 
action is to occur.  The program may include providing:
		(1)  infrastructure development, community 
development, job training programs, financial assistance, and 
business incentives;
		(2)  business development services, including 
technical assistance, workshops, business incubators, training, 
and useful publications; or
		(3)  small business services and useful publications.                  
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.