BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1889

By: Shaheen

Government Transparency & Operation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that cost savings can be achieved in relation to the state's usage of paper, ink, and postage in performing various official functions. H.B. 1889 provides for a study of strategies for reducing the state's volume of paper transactions.

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. 1889 requires the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to conduct an interim study on state reliance on the use of paper documents, including current requirements that certain state documents be mailed, for the purpose of reducing the state's volume of paper transactions and increasing governmental efficiency. The bill requires the study to include recommendations on opportunities to increase operational efficiency in state government through a reduction in the use of paper documents and strategies to replace the use of paper documents with electronic documents and to automate state transactions to better meet the needs of Texas residents. The bill requires DIR to submit a report on the study's findings to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and Legislative Budget Board. The bill expires September 1, 2019.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.