TITLE: Relating to the creation of a task force to conduct a study and develop recommendations to alleviate the incidence of gun violence in this state.

SUMMARY: Relating to the creation of a task force to conduct a study and develop recommendations to alleviate the incidence of gun violence in this state.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the creation of a task force to conduct a study and develop recommendations to alleviate the incidence of gun violence in this state. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. TEXAS TASK FORCE ON GUN VIOLENCE. (a) The Texas Task Force on Gun Violence is created. (b) The task force shall study the causes and effects of gun violence in this state. After completing the study, the task force shall develop recommendations for programs and propose legislation to alleviate the incidence of gun violence in this state. (c) The task force is composed of the following nine members: (1) three members appointed by the governor, one of whom is a proponent of private gun ownership, one of whom is an opponent of private gun ownership, and one of whom is employed in the medical profession; (2) three members appointed by the lieutenant governor, one of whom is a prosecuting attorney, one of whom is a university scholar with expertise on the issue of gun violence, and one of whom is a community advocate; and (3) three members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one of whom is a state representative, one of whom is a state senator, and one of whom is appropriately qualified as determined by the speaker. (d) The governor shall designate a member of the task force to serve as presiding officer. (e) A member of the task force is not entitled to compensation but is entitled to reimbursement for the member's travel expenses as provided by Chapter 660, Government Code, and the General Appropriations Act. (f) The task force shall compile a detailed report of its findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation to alleviate the incidence of gun violence in this state, and shall submit the report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives not later than December 1, 2016. (g) The task force is abolished and this Act expires on January 1, 2017. SECTION 2. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS. The governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint members to the Texas Task Force on Gun Violence, as required by this Act, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.