BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 1731
81R1948 JJT-D By: Pitts et al. (Ogden)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Alternative Fuels Research and Education Division (AFRED) of the Railroad Commission of Texas (railroad commission) was established to promote research and education about alternative fuels in the state.
One of the main functions of AFRED is the division's management of the consumer rebate program for propane. This rebate program is funded from total dollars collected annually from 1/10 of one cent of propane sold.
Currently, at the end of each
fiscal year, the railroad commission sweeps any unspent consumer appliance program
rebate funds and moves them into the next fiscal year as general available
funds. This legislation allows for unused funds to be carried forward for use
in the next fiscal year.
H.B. 1731 amends current law relating to money available for consumer incentive or rebate programs for alternatively fueled appliances or equipment.
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 113.2435, Natural Resources Code, by adding Subsection (d), as follows:
(d) Requires the Railroad Commission of Texas (railroad commission), notwithstanding Subsection (c)(5) (relating to a limitation on the proportion of the fund usable for the rebate program), to make available for rebates during a fiscal year the entire amount of money made available for rebates during the preceding fiscal year that was not spent during the preceding fiscal year. Provides that the amount of money made available for rebates during the preceding fiscal year that was not spent during the preceding fiscal year is not counted in determining the limitation on the proportion of the fund usable for the rebate program during a fiscal year.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.