BILL ANALYSIS
By: Alonzo
Border & International Affairs
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
As the Hispanic population in Texas continues to mushroom and become the majority category of the state's populace, it is imperative our state agencies, groups, organizations, and other entities revisit their current goals and missions to ensure they are adequately meeting the needs of that changing demographic picture. Some states have already taken that first step by setting up specialized agencies focusing specifically on addressing the needs of their growing Hispanic population, leaving Texas a step behind. Many smaller states have less significant Hispanic numbers, yet they have recognized the importance of this changing demographic population and their significant contributions, so they have created special divisions or agencies to address this concern. Among the states that have created model agencies addressing this important need are Kansas, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
C.S.H.B. 1430 amends the Government Code by creating the Bureau for Economic Development and Hispanic Studies for the purpose of addressing the specific needs of the growing Hispanic population and maximizing trade relations between Texas and all foreign countries, while simultaneously undertaking research which would encourage the analysis of public policies and policy proposals affecting Hispanic citizens in Texas.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the opinion of the committee that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
C.S.H.B. 1430 amends the Government Code by establishing the Bureau for Economic Development and Hispanic Studies and providing an appropriate definition. The bill sets forth provisions regarding the composition of, appointment to, qualifications for serving as, and length of terms of service for a member of the bureau. The bill also sets forth provisions regarding the bureau's meetings, officers, main office, reimbursement, and the continued existence of the bureau. The bill requires the bureau to employ an executive director with certain privileges and sets forth provisions regarding the duties of the bureau, including requiring the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office and state higher education institutions to assist the bureau in carrying out its duties. The bill authorizes the bureau to accept gifts and grants to carry out its duties and requires the bureau to actively seek gifts from businesses and organizations that represent businesses to support the bureau's functions. The bill also sets forth provisions regarding the tenure of service for the initial bureau members.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
The substitute differs from the original in that it requires caucus nominations and gubernatorial appointments represent the state's diversity and include members from both urban and rural areas from all geographic areas of the state. The substitute also differs from the original by removing the requirement that a bureau member be fluent in English and Spanish. The substitute also requires the bureau to develop proposals for maximizing trade between Texas and all foreign countries, rather than Texas and the United Mexican States. The substitute also requires that the bureau conduct certain studies and develop policy proposals including studies and policies relating to alcohol and drug abuse, rather than alcohol and drug abuse in the area of the border with the United Mexican States. The substitute also differs from the original by requiring the bureau to actively seek gifts from businesses and organizations that represent businesses to support the bureau's functions.