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.