HBA-TBM H.B. 2659 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2659 By: Marchant Public Safety 4/6/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Prior to last session, cities had the option of establishing alarm monitoring systems for its residents, but legislation adopted by the 76th Legislature prohibited this activity. Many cities would like to set up their own alarm monitoring systems because it allows alarm activations to be monitored directly by a public safety dispatch center, enhancing emergency services response times as a result. House Bill 2659 removes the prohibition against municipalities establishing alarm monitoring systems for residents. 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. ANALYSIS House Bill 2659 amends the Insurance Code to exempt a municipality from the prohibition against a political subdivision offering residential alarm system sales, service, installation, or monitoring. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2001.