HBA-MPA C.S.H.B. 1564 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisC.S.H.B. 1564
By: Oliveira
Economic Development
4/1/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)



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.
C.S.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,
including any gifts or grants. 

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.

 COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 1564 differs from the original in SECTION 3, regarding sources of
funds with which to pay for the study, by  adding the phrase "including any
gifts or grants," after the phrase "funds otherwise appropriated to the
department."