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.