BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 3637

By: Turner, Chris

Ways & Means

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

The comptroller of public accounts submits a report before each regular legislative session on all agreements entered into under the Texas Economic Development Act, including an assessment of the progress of each agreement. Interested parties note that such an assessment relies only on data certified to the comptroller by each recipient or former recipient of a limitation on appraised value under the act, with no requirement that the information be audited or otherwise verified using information from a neutral party. H.B. 3637 seeks to ensure that the comptroller has accurate and reliable information in the report.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

 

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. 3637 amends the Tax Code to require the comptroller of public accounts to verify the data on which an assessment of the progress of each agreement made under the Texas Economic Development Act is made and that is to be included in the report submitted by the comptroller relating to compliance with such agreements using information from the Texas Workforce Commission, the chief appraiser of the applicable appraisal district, or other sources the comptroller considers reliable.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2015.