BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

C.S.H.B. 1959

By: Isett

State Affairs

Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

State agencies undergo periodic review by the Sunset Advisory Commission (commission). 

The Legislature frequently changes the review schedule for certain agencies to balance the workload of the commission, to better align the reviews of agencies by grouping them based on subject matter; and in some cases, to serve as a safety net in the event an agency sunset bill is in danger of not passing.  H.B. 1959 serves that purpose. 

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

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

 

ANALYSIS

 

C.S.H.B. 1959 changes the date for the Texas Education Agency from 2012 to 2013 (the Sunset review date must be an odd number so the review can occur before a legislative session.)  Requires a special purpose study of the Texas Education Agency in 2011, assessing the agency’s compliance with mandates and requirements placed on it by the Legislature

 

C.S.H.B. 1959 changes the date for the review of the transfer of the State’s procurement duties to the Comptroller from 2011 to 2013 (to be reviewed with the Texas Facilities Commission, from where the duties were transferred.)

 

C.S.H.B. 1959 changes the Sunset date for the Texas Council on Purchases from People with Disabilities from 2015 to 2013 (to be reviewed with the Texas Facilities Commission.)

 

C.S.H.B. 1959 subjects the Texas Forest Service to the Sunset process, to be reviewed in 2011.

 

C.S.H.B. 1959 requires a special purpose review of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), as part of the 2011 review of the Pubic Utility Commission, assessing ERCOT’s  governance, management, and operating structure, and compliance with certain duties and requirements.

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2009

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL BILL WITH SUBSTITUTE

 

The substitute subjects the Texas Forest Service to the Sunset process, to be reviewed in 2011.

The substitute requires a special purpose study of the Texas Education Agency in 2011, assessing the agency’s compliance with mandates and requirements placed on it by the Legislature.

 

The substitute requires a special purpose review of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), as part of the 2011 review of the Pubic Utility Commission, assessing ERCOT’s  governance, management, and operating structure, and compliance with certain duties and requirements.