BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2710

By: Gonzales, Larry

Investments & Financial Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law prohibits attorneys from being employed by the Texas Funeral Service Commission. Interested parties note that if the commission needs legal representation, the commission must seek it through the attorney general.  H.B. 2710 seeks to allow the Texas Funeral Service Commission to be more responsive to complaints and concerns from the public by removing provisions of current law preventing the Texas Funeral Service Commission from hiring an attorney.

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

H.B. 2710 repeals Section 651.060(b), Occupations Code, prohibiting the Texas Funeral Service Commission from employing legal counsel except as provided by statutory provisions setting out the duties of the attorney general in regard to the provision of legal services and outside counsel.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.