HBA-MPA H.B. 1564 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1564 By: Oliveira Economic Development 3/17/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, many residents of Texas' border region rely on entry level jobs in the tourism industry. According to Bordering on the Future published by the office of the comptroller, nearly a quarter of the border population attending colleges or universities in the region in 1990 were also employed in tourism-related industries. The beaches and climate of South Texas have consistently drawn visitors and winter residents to the region. The presence of a major league baseball spring training facility may complement the area's already existing tourist assets, just as it has in Florida and Arizona. Additionally, the seasonal population and bordering Mexican cities may bolster the available fan base. H.B. 1564 requires the Texas Department of Economic Development to fund a study of the long-term possibilities for major league baseball spring training facilities in the Rio Grande Valley and the effect they would have on tourism. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. Defines "border region" and "department." SECTION 2. FEASIBILITY STUDY. Requires the Texas Department of Economic Development (department) to conduct a study of the feasibility of attracting major league baseball spring training and its potential effect on the border region (region). Authorizes the department to contract with a public group representing one or more counties in the region to conduct the study. Requires the department to develop, if it contracts with a public group, a written plan including methods to monitor the contractor's performance and requirements for periodic review of the contractor's billing procedures. SECTION 3. COSTS OF STUDY. Requires that the costs of the study not exceed $250,000, and be paid from funds otherwise appropriated to the department. SECTION 4. ECONOMIC EFFECTS. Provides that the study, at a minimum, consider the shortterm and long-term economic effects of such spring training on the region and its potential impact on tourism. SECTION 5. REPORT. Requires the department to submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives a comprehensive report on the study by November 1, 2000. SECTION 6. Provides that this Act becomes effective September 1, 1999, and expires December 31, 2000. SECTION 7. Emergency clause.