BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1979

80R13274 DWS-D                                                                                                    By: Ellis, Eltife

S/C on Emerging Technologies & Economic Dev.

5/8/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

This bill was prompted by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's decision to close its Tyler plant at the end of 2007.  More than 1,000 people will lose their jobs.  The Texas Legislature created the Texas Enterprise Fund (fund) in 2003 for economic development, infrastructure development, community development, job training programs, and business incentives.  Currently, the fund is used to attract new jobs and companies to Texas, but not to keep them from leaving.  This bill clarifies current statute regarding the use of the money. 

As proposed, S.B. 1979 specifies that the business incentives for which the fund may be used includes incentives to retain or expand manufacturing jobs in the state. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 481.078(c), Government Code, to authorize the Texas Enterprise Fund to be used for, among other things, business incentives, including incentives to retain or expand manufacturing businesses located in this state.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.