HBA-CMT H.B. 2908 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2908 By: Hawley State, Federal & International Relations 3/26/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The 75th Legislature directed the Texas Department of Economic Development to establish and maintain the Texas Strategic Military Planning Commission (commission). The main purpose of the commission is to assist in the prevention of future base closures and realignments and to assist defense-dependent communities in preparing for the next generation of the military in Texas. Recently, a bill has been introduced in the United States Congress that will begin the next round of base realignment and closure (BRAC) hearings. If the bill passes, it will authorize additional base closings and Texas may be at risk of losing more bases and civilian jobs if an organized effort is not ready to address BRAC. Placing the commission within the governor's office may enhance its profile and send a signal that Texas is serious about its military and defense community. House Bill 2908 moves the commission from the Texas Department of Economic Development to the office of the governor. 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 2908 amends the Government Code to place the Texas Strategic Military Planning Commission (commission) within the office of the governor. The bill requires the commission to serve as an advisory committee to the office of the governor, in addition to the Office of Defense Affairs in the Texas Department of Economic Development, on the effect of the military on the economy of this state. The office of the governor is required to provide administrative support to the commission. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.