BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1550

By: Goldman

International Relations & Economic Development

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Office of State-Federal Relations (OSFR), a trusteed program within the Office of the Governor, is responsible for coordinating state and federal programs and informing state leaders about federal actions that could affect state policy. OSFR is subject to abolishment under the Sunset Act on September 1, 2023, unless continued by the legislature. As part of its review of OSFR, the Sunset Advisory Commission found that the state benefits from having a designated state liaison in Washington, D.C. and recommended continuing OSFR for 12 years. H.B. 1550 seeks to continue OSFR until 2035 and update state law to reflect OSFR's actual activities and capabilities.

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. 1550 amends the Government Code to continue the Office of State-Federal Relations (OSFR) under the Texas Sunset Act until September 1, 2035. The bill removes language subjecting provisions relating to OSFR to expiration and further does the following:

· repeals provisions giving OSFR primary responsibility for monitoring, coordinating, and reporting on the state's efforts to ensure receipt of an equitable share of federal formula funds, setting out OSFR's related duties, and requiring certain state agencies to contact OSFR before providing information to a federal agency or to the U.S. Congress about state policy or conditions; and

· requires OSFR to post on its website its annual report to the governor and members of the legislature.

H.B. 1550 repeals the following provisions of the Government Code:

· the heading to Subchapter A, Chapter 751; and

· Subchapter B, Chapter 751.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.