HBA-BSM H.B. 876 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 876
By: West, George "Buddy"
State Affairs
2/26/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

There are currently no provisions that require state regulatory agencies to
inform a member of the legislature about information that affects the
member's legislative district that is to be released in the form of a press
release or press conference.  To serve a district well, a member needs to
be aware of any information that may affect that district.  House Bill 876
requires state regulatory agencies to make a reasonable attempt to inform
members of the legislature of the release of such information. 

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 876 amends the Government Code to require a state regulatory
agency to make a reasonable attempt to inform a member of the legislature
before releasing information to the news media in the form of a press
release or press conference that impacts an individual, business, or
governmental entity in a state legislative district.  The executive
director of the state regulatory agency is required to ensure that notice
is given.  Any person in violation of the terms set in releasing
information to the press is subject to discharge from employment or
removal from office.  Before the discharge or  removal,  the governing body
of the state regulatory agency is required to hold a hearing to determine
the responsibility for the release of information to the news media.    

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.