HBA-NRS S.B. 817 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 817
By: Armbrister
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
4/23/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) investigators are charged with enforcing the
State Lottery Act and the Bingo Enabling Act. In the course of their
duties, they investigate serious criminal violations including homicide,
armed robbery, arson, robbery, theft, illegal gambling, and other related
gambling offenses. Undercover investigative work is frequently employed to
investigate and apprehend violators. Furthermore, the office of the
attorney general and the Texas Department of Insurance, specifically the
state fire marshal's office, conduct investigations into or involving
criminal activities and would be better served if unmarked vehicles were
available. Senate Bill 817  exempts TLC, the office of the attorney
general, and the Texas Department of Insurance from the requirement that
state agency vehicles must bear the agency's name. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the Texas Lottery Commission, the
office of the attorney general, and the Texas Department of Insurance in
SECTION 1 (Section 721.003, Transportation Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 817 amends the Transportation Code to authorize the governing
body of the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) by rule to exempt a motor
vehicle under TLC's control and custody from the inscription required to be
printed on state-owned motor vehicles only if the motor vehicle is used
exclusively for surveillance purposes.  The bill authorizes the governing
bodies of the office of the attorney general (office) and the Texas
Department of Insurance (TDI) by rule to exempt a motor vehicle under the
office's or TDI's control and custody from the inscription required to be
printed on state-owned motor vehicles.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.