BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 78

By: Flynn

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that current statutes do not adequately address the ability of certain state law enforcement agencies or the adjutant general's department to use appropriated funds to purchase food for certain training events.  Because of this, per diem payments are made, which often results in greater costs to the entity and in lost training time as training participants must leave the training location for meals.  C.S.H.B. 78 addresses this problem by authorizing certain state law enforcement agencies and the adjutant general's department to purchase food and beverages for training functions.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 78 amends the Education Code to authorize the Texas Forest Service to use appropriated funds to purchase food and beverages for training functions required of peace officers of the service, subject to the approval of the director of the service.

C.S.H.B. 78 amends the Government Code to authorize the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to use appropriated funds to purchase food and beverages for training functions required of peace officers of DPS, subject to the approval of the public safety director.

C.S.H.B. 78 authorizes the adjutant general's department to use appropriated funds to purchase food and beverages for training functions required of the military police of the state military forces, subject to the adjutant general's approval.

C.S.H.B. 78 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to authorize the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to use appropriated funds to purchase food and beverages for training functions required of peace officers of TPWD, subject to the approval of the executive director of TPWD.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2011.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 78 contains a provision not included in the original authorizing the adjutant general's department to purchase food and beverages for training functions required of the military police of the state military forces, subject to the adjutant general's approval.