BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

S.B. 845

By: Carona

Technology

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Current law requires the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation to develop and implement a policy requiring the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)  to research and propose appropriate technological solutions to improve the department's ability to perform its functions.  TDLR oversees over 100 individual license types and more than a half million licensees.

 

S.B. 845 seeks to provide TDLR with the ability to deliver better service by providing relevant information to the public and to licensees through its Internet website and by using e-mail communications in a greater capacity. 

 

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

 

SB 845 amends the Occupations Code to require the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to provide on its Internet website a link to an Internet website that allows the public to track legislation affecting the programs administered by TDLR, which may be a website that provides legislative information administered by the Texas Legislature.

 

Further, SB 845 authorizes TDLR to satisfy any requirement under this chapter or another law governing a program subject to regulation by TDLR to provide notice by delivering the notice by e-mail to the recipient's last known e-mail address if the recipient has previously authorized TDLR to deliver the notice by e-mail.  Provides that an e-mail address used under this subsection is confidential and is not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552 (Public Information), Government Code.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2013.