reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 322 - Legislative Budget Board › Section 322.024. Reduction of Reliance on Available Dedicated Revenue for Budget Certification

Sec. 322.024.  REDUCTION OF RELIANCE ON AVAILABLE DEDICATED REVENUE FOR BUDGET CERTIFICATION.  (a) In this section, "available dedicated revenue" means revenue that Section 403.095 makes available for certification under Section 403.121.
(b)  The board shall:
(1)  develop and implement a process to review:
(A)  new legislative enactments that create dedicated revenue; and
(B)  the appropriation and accumulation of dedicated revenue and available dedicated revenue;
(2)  develop and implement tools to evaluate the use of available dedicated revenue for state government financing and budgeting; and
(3)  develop specific and detailed recommendations on actions the legislature may reasonably take to reduce state government's reliance on available dedicated revenue for the purposes of certification under Section 403.121 as authorized by Section 403.095.
(c)  The board shall incorporate into the board's budget recommendations appropriate measures to reduce state government's reliance on available dedicated revenue for the purposes of certification under Section 403.121 as authorized by Section 403.095 and shall include with the budget recommendations plans for further reducing state government's reliance on available dedicated revenue for those purposes for the succeeding six years.
(d)  The board shall consult the comptroller as necessary to accomplish the objectives of Subsections (b) and (c).
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 835 (H.B. 7), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.001. Creation and Membership

Sec. 323.001.  CREATION AND MEMBERSHIP.  (a)  The Texas Legislative Council is an agency of the legislative branch of state government.
(b)  The council consists of:
(1)  the lieutenant governor;
(2)  the speaker of the house of representatives;
(3)  the chairman of the house administration committee;
(4)  six senators from various areas of the state appointed by the president of the senate;  and
(5)  five other members of the house of representatives from various areas of the state appointed by the speaker.
(c)  The lieutenant governor and the speaker are joint chairs of the council.
(d)  If a vacancy occurs in the appointed membership, the appropriate appointing authority shall appoint a person to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(e)  Except for the lieutenant governor and the speaker, each member serves a term beginning on the date of the member's appointment and ending with the convening of the first regular legislative session that occurs after the date of appointment.
(f)  The lieutenant governor and the speaker act as the council during a regular legislative session.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1328, Sec. 6, eff. June 21, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 3, Sec. 6.10, 6.11, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.003. Meetings

Sec. 323.003.  MEETINGS.  (a)  The council shall meet as often as necessary to perform its duties.  Meetings may be held at any time at the request of either of the joint chairs of the council.
(b)  A majority of the members of the council from each house of the legislature constitutes a quorum.  If a quorum is present, the council may act on any matter that is within its jurisdiction by a majority vote.
(c)  The council shall keep complete minutes of each meeting.
(d)  Each member of the legislature is entitled to attend and present his views in any meeting of the council, except that a legislator who is not a member of the council may not vote.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 3, Sec. 6.12, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.004. Expenses of Members

Sec. 323.004.  EXPENSES OF MEMBERS.  Members of the council are entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in performing functions as members of the council.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.005. Council Expenditures; Salaries

Sec. 323.005.  COUNCIL EXPENDITURES;  SALARIES.  (a)  The amount of allowable expenditures for the council is determined by legislative appropriation.
(b)  The council shall determine the salaries of its assistants and employees.
(c)  The certificate of either of the joint chairs of the council is sufficient evidence of the validity of a claim.  On certification, the comptroller shall issue warrants on the treasury to pay each claim for mileage and per diem expenses, salaries of employees, and other authorized expenses.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 3, Sec. 6.13, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.006. Powers and Duties

Sec. 323.006.  POWERS AND DUTIES.  (a)  The council shall:
(1)  study and investigate the functions and problems of state departments, agencies, and officers;
(2)  conduct investigations and studies and make reports that may be considered useful to the legislative branch of state government;
(3)  gather and disseminate information for the legislature's use;
(4)  meet and perform council functions during the legislative interim;
(5)  make periodic reports to all members of the legislature and keep the legislature fully informed of all issues that may come before the council, any action taken on an issue, and the progress made on an issue;
(6)  report council recommendations to the legislature and, if appropriate, provide drafts of legislation with the report;
(7)  assist the legislature in drafting proposed legislation;
(8)  provide legal advice and other legal services to the legislature; and
(9)  provide data-processing services to aid members and legislative committees in accomplishing their legislative duties.
(b)  By agreement with either house of the legislature or a legislative agency, the council may perform other services or functions for or on behalf of the house or agency.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 21, eff. June 14, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.007. Statutory Revision Program

Sec. 323.007.  STATUTORY REVISION PROGRAM.  (a)  The council shall plan and execute a permanent statutory revision program for the systematic and continuous study of the statutes of this state and for the formal revision of the statutes on a topical or code basis.  The purpose of the program is to clarify and simplify the statutes and to make the statutes more accessible, understandable, and usable.
(b)  When revising a statute the council may not alter the sense, meaning, or effect of the statute.
(c)  As part of the statutory revision program, the council shall:
(1)  prepare a statutory record showing the status and disposition within the classification of the revised statutes of all acts enacted by the legislature;
(2)  prepare and submit to the legislature in bill form statutory revisions on a topical or code basis;
(3)  include a report with each revision that contains revisor's notes explaining in detail the work done;  and
(4)  formulate and implement a continuous revision program so that statutes that have been revised and enacted may be updated without the need for subsequent major revisions.
(d)  Expired.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 685, Sec. 1.15, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.008. Statutory Revision Advisory Committee

Sec. 323.008.  STATUTORY REVISION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.  (a)  If the council determines a need exists, either of the joint chairs of the council may appoint statutory revision advisory committees to advise the council on matters relating to the revision of particular subjects of the law.
(b)  Advisory committees consist of seven members appointed by a joint chair of the council.  Advisory committee members serve for a period of two years from the date of appointment.
(c)  In appointing an advisory committee, a joint chair shall include representatives of the:
(1)  State Bar of Texas;
(2)  judiciary;  and
(3)  Texas law schools.
(d)  An advisory committee shall meet at the call of either of the joint chairs of the council.
(e)  Each advisory committee shall select one of its members as chairman.
(f)  Advisory committee members serve without compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in attending official committee meetings.  Those expenses are paid from funds appropriated to the council.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 3, Sec. 6.14, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.009. Orientation for Members-Elect

Sec. 323.009.  ORIENTATION FOR MEMBERS-ELECT.  (a)  The council may reimburse members-elect of the legislature for travel expenses incurred in attending an orientation program conducted by the council between the date of the general election and the convening of the regular legislative session.
(b)  Payment of reimbursement shall be in accordance with rules adopted by the council.
(c)  An individual may be reimbursed under this section for only one round trip between the individual's home and the City of Austin.
(d)  An individual holding office as a member of the legislature when the orientation program occurs is not eligible for reimbursement under this section.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.010. Investigations and Surveys

Sec. 323.010.  INVESTIGATIONS AND SURVEYS.  (a)  The council or a council committee authorized by the council to hold hearings may hold public or executive hearings to make investigations and surveys.
(b)  The hearing shall be held at a time and place in the state determined by the council.
(c)  The council may:
(1)  inspect and copy any book, record, file, or other instrument or document of a department, institution, county, or political subdivision of the state that is pertinent to a matter under investigation by the council;  and
(2)  examine and audit the books of a person, firm, or corporation having dealings with a department or institution under investigation by the council.
(d)  Any member of the council or of the committee may administer oaths to witnesses appearing at the hearing.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.011. Subpoenas

Sec. 323.011.  SUBPOENAS.  (a)  The council or a council committee may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, records, or other documents in their custody.
(b)  A subpoena must be signed by either of the joint chairs of the council.
(c)  The council sergeant at arms or any peace officer shall serve the subpoena in the manner prescribed for service of a district court subpoena.
(d)  If a person to whom a subpoena is directed refuses to appear, refuses to answer inquiries, or fails or refuses to produce books, records, or other documents that were under the person's control when the demand was made, the council or a council committee shall report the fact to a Travis County district court.
(e)  The district court shall enforce a council or committee subpoena by attachment proceedings for contempt in the same manner the court enforces a subpoena issued by that court.
(f)  A subpoenaed witness who attends a council hearing or meeting is entitled to the same mileage and per diem as a witness who appears before a grand jury of this state.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 3, Sec. 6.15, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.012. Assistance From Other Agencies

Sec. 323.012.  ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER AGENCIES.  (a)  The council may request assistance and advice from all state departments or agencies, including the:
(1)  attorney general;
(2)  Texas State Library;  and
(3)  State Auditor.
(b)  On the request of either of the joint chairs of the council, the attorney general shall render opinions and give advice and assistance to the council.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 3, Sec. 6.16, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.014. Computer Access, Information, and Use

Sec. 323.014.  COMPUTER ACCESS, INFORMATION, AND USE.  (a)  The council shall consider each application for direct access to a computer under its control in which confidential information is stored or processed or that is connected with another computer in which confidential information is stored or processed and solely shall determine whether or not to permit direct access by the applicant.  Direct access to such a computer may not be permitted unless protection of confidential information is ensured.
(b)  If public information of the council is stored in a computer-readable form, the council has exclusive authority to determine the form in which the information will be reproduced for the requestor of the information.
(c)  Notwithstanding Subchapter F, Chapter 552, the council has exclusive authority to determine the charge for direct access to a computer under its control and the charge for information reproduced for a requestor.
(d)  The council may consider the needs of persons with disabilities when making decisions regarding the formats in which information is made available under this chapter.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 167, Sec. 2.11(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(95), eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 877, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.0145. Electronic Availability of Legislative Information Through the Internet

Sec. 323.0145.  ELECTRONIC AVAILABILITY OF LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION THROUGH THE INTERNET.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Internet" means the largest nonproprietary nonprofit cooperative public computer network, popularly known as the Internet.
(2)  "Legislative information" means:
(A)  a list of all the members of each house of the legislature;
(B)  a list of the committees of the legislature and their members;
(C)  the full text of each bill as filed and as subsequently amended, substituted, engrossed, or enrolled in either house of the legislature;
(D)  the full text of each amendment or substitute adopted by a legislative committee for each bill filed in either house of the legislature;
(E)  the calendar of each house of the legislature, the schedule of legislative committee hearings, and a list of the matters pending on the floor of each house of the legislature;
(F)  detailed procedural information about how a bill filed in either house of the legislature becomes law, including detailed timetable information concerning the times under the constitution or the rules of either house when the legislature may take certain actions on a bill;
(G)  the district boundaries or other identifying information for the following districts in Texas:
(i)  house of representatives;
(ii)  senate;
(iii)  State Board of Education;  and
(iv)  United States Congress;  and
(H)  other information related to the legislative process that in the council's opinion should be made available through the Internet.
(b)  The council, to the extent it considers it to be feasible and appropriate, may make legislative information available to the public through the Internet.
(c)  The council may make available to the public through the Internet any documentation that describes the electronic digital formats of legislative information.
(d)  The access to legislative information allowed by this section:
(1)  is in addition to the public's access to the information through other electronic or print distribution of the information;
(2)  does not alter, diminish, or relinquish any copyright or other proprietary interest or entitlement of the State of Texas or a private entity under contract with the state;  and
(3)  does not affect Section 323.014.
(e)  If the text of a document described by Subsection (a)(2)(C) or (D) includes a cross-reference to a section of state statute, the council to the extent feasible shall include in any electronic version of the document made available to the public through the Internet an electronic link or other method by which a person reading the document may automatically access the text of the referenced section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 877, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 145 (H.B. 1271), Sec. 1, eff. November 1, 2014.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.015. Computer Security; Penalty

Sec. 323.015.  COMPUTER SECURITY;  PENALTY.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly gains access to information stored or maintained by a computer under the control of the council and the person is not authorized by the council to have access to that information.
(b)  A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly damages, destroys, deletes, or alters or impairs access to or use of information stored or maintained by a computer under the control of the council and the person is not authorized by the council to do so.
(c)  Subsection (b) does not apply to an interruption of utility service or other service that causes the damage, destruction, deletion, or alteration of or impairment of access to or use of the information unless the interruption was intended to have that result.
(d)  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 167, Sec. 2.11(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.016. Gifts and Grants

Sec. 323.016.  GIFTS AND GRANTS.  (a)  The council may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for the purpose of funding any activity under this chapter.
(b)  All gifts, grants, and donations must be accepted in an open meeting by a majority of the voting members of the council and reported in the public record of the council with the name of the donor and purpose of the gift, grant, or donation.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 617, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.017. Confidential and Privileged Communications

Sec. 323.017.  CONFIDENTIAL AND PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS.  (a)  Communications, including conversations, correspondence, and electronic communications, between a member of the legislature or the lieutenant governor, an officer of the house or senate, a legislative agency, office, or committee, or a member of the staff of any of those officers or entities and an assistant or employee of the council that relate to a request by the officer or entity for information, advice, or opinions from an assistant or employee of the council are confidential and subject to legislative privilege.
(b)  A communication described by Subsection (a) is subject to attorney-client privilege if:
(1)  the assistant or employee of the council who is a party to the communication is a council attorney or is working at the direction of a council attorney;
(2)  the communication is given privately; and
(3)  the communication is made in connection with the council attorney's provision of legal advice or other legal services.
(c)  Information, advice, and opinions given privately by an assistant or employee of the council to a member of the legislature or the lieutenant governor, an officer of the house or senate, a legislative agency, office, or committee, or a member of the staff of any of those officers or entities, when acting in the person's official capacity, are confidential and subject to legislative privilege.
(d)  The member of the legislature, lieutenant governor, house or senate officer, or legislative agency, office, or committee may choose to disclose all or a part of the communications, information, advice, or opinions to which this section applies and to which the individual or entity was a party.
(e)  This section does not affect the authority of a court to analyze and apply attorney-client privilege under the applicable rules of evidence governing a judicial proceeding.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 1053, Sec. 2, eff. June 20, 1987.  Renumbered from Sec. 323.016 by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 16.01(25), eff. Aug. 28, 1989.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 9.002, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 22, eff. June 14, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.018. Records of Drafting and Other Requests

Sec. 323.018.  RECORDS OF DRAFTING AND OTHER REQUESTS.  Records relating to requests of council staff for the drafting of proposed legislation or for assistance, information, advice, or opinion are:
(1)  subject to legislative privilege; and
(2)  not public information and not subject to Chapter 552.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 877, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 22, eff. June 14, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.019. Statistical and Demographic Information and Studies

Sec. 323.019.  STATISTICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND STUDIES.  (a)  The council may gather and analyze information relating to public education and other public services for the purpose of conducting statistical and demographic research and producing reports.
(b)  State agencies in each branch of government shall cooperate with the council in the gathering of information and the production of reports under this section and shall provide information as requested by the council to the maximum extent permitted by state or federal law.
(c)  In order to develop and evaluate legislative policy, the council is entitled to collect data from any state agency, including data that is confidential under state or federal law.  In addition to other uses consistent with this section, the council may use data collected for the purpose of matching data from various agencies.  Confidential data collected by the council does not lose its character as confidential information because of its collection by the council, and the providing of that data to the council does not constitute a release of the information by the state agency.  For the limited purpose of collecting and matching data subject to 20 U.S.C. Section 1232g or other federal law governing education records, employees of the council are considered state school officials.
(d)  The council is subject to any federal law governing the release of or providing access to any personally identifiable information to the same extent as the agency from which the data is collected.  The council may not release or distribute the data to any individual member of the legislature, or to any other person, in a form that contains personally identifiable information.
(e)  In collecting personally identifiable information under this section, the council and the state agency from which the data is collected shall cooperate in the confidential handling of the data, such as the encoding, decoding, and reencoding of the information.  Personally identifiable information may be used by the council solely for the purpose of statistical and policy analysis, including data matching, and must be destroyed immediately when no longer needed for that analysis.
(f)  Using information collected and matched under this section, the council may produce and release statistical data that does not include any personally identifiable information.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1585, Sec. 2, eff. June 20, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 323 - Texas Legislative Council › Section 323.021. Legislative Office Records

Sec. 323.021.  LEGISLATIVE OFFICE RECORDS.  A member of the legislature, the lieutenant governor, an officer of the house or senate, or a legislative agency, office, or committee that uses a system made available by the council to transmit, store, or maintain records:
(1)  possesses, maintains, or controls the records for purposes of litigation; and
(2)  is the custodian of the records for purposes of Chapter 552.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 23, eff. June 14, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.001. Definitions

Sec. 324.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Library" means the Legislative Reference Library.
(2)  "Board" means the Legislative Library Board.
(3)  "Director" means the director of the library.
(4)  "Legislative entity" means a member of the legislature, the lieutenant governor, an officer of the house or senate, or a legislative committee, department, or office, but does not include a legislative agency created by Subtitle C, Title 3.
(5)  "Legislative record" means a record, including a state record or archival state record, created by a legislative entity.  The term includes records described by Section 324.008(b).
(6)  "State record" and "archival state record" have the meanings assigned by Section 441.180.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 24, eff. June 14, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.002. Establishment

Sec. 324.002.  ESTABLISHMENT.  The Legislative Reference Library is an independent agency of the legislature.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.004. Legislative Library Board

Sec. 324.004.  LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY BOARD.  (a)  The board controls and administers the library.
(b)  The board consists of:
(1)  the lieutenant governor;
(2)  the speaker of the house of representatives;
(3)  the chairman of the house appropriations committee;
(4)  two members of the senate appointed by the lieutenant governor;  and
(5)  one other member of the house appointed by the speaker.
(c)  Members of the board serve without compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending meetings and performing official functions.
(d)  Actual and necessary expenses are paid from funds appropriated to the board.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1328, Sec. 7, eff. June 21, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.005. Director

Sec. 324.005.  DIRECTOR.  (a)  The board shall appoint a director to serve at the pleasure of the board.
(b)  The board shall set the salary of the director.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 349, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.006. Personnel

Sec. 324.006.  PERSONNEL.  (a)  The director, with the approval of the board, may employ professional and clerical personnel.
(b)  The board shall set the salaries of the personnel employed by the director.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.007. Duties

Sec. 324.007.  DUTIES.  (a)  The library shall be maintained for the use and information of members of the legislature, heads of state departments, and citizens of this state.
(b)  The library shall contain, as may best be made available for legislative use, the following items:
(1)  checklists and catalogues of current legislation in this and other states;
(2)  catalogues of bills and resolutions presented in either house of the legislature;
(3)  checklists of public documents in each state;
(4)  checklists of all reports issued by each department, agency, board, or commission of this state;
(5)  digests of public laws of this and other states;
(6)  legislative records; and
(7)  other items designated by the board or the director.
(c)  The director and library employees shall provide any assistance requested by a member of the legislature in researching, analyzing, evaluating, and preparing bills and resolutions.
(d)  The board shall adopt rules necessary to ensure the library's efficient operation.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 25, eff. June 14, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.008. Deposit and Management of Documents

Sec. 324.008.  DEPOSIT AND MANAGEMENT OF DOCUMENTS.  (a)  The library is a depository library as defined by Section 441.101 and shall receive state documents and publications from other states distributed by the Texas State Library.
(b)  Each printed daily legislative journal, bill, resolution, or other legislative document shall be delivered daily to the library.
(c)  At the close of each legislative session, each daily legislative journal, bill, or resolution possessed by the senate or house sergeant at arms shall be delivered to the library to be managed as a legislative record under Section 324.0085.
(d)  The governing body of a state agency, as defined by Sections 2151.002(1) and (3), shall deliver to the library and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission immediately after transcription a certified copy of the minutes of any meeting of the governing body.  Any changes or corrections to the minutes shall also be delivered to the library and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 281, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1312 (S.B. 59), Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 26, eff. June 14, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 27, eff. June 14, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.0085. Legislative Records

Text of section as added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (H.B. 1962), Sec. 1
For text of section as added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 28, see other Sec. 324.0085.
Sec. 324.0085.  LEGISLATIVE RECORDS.  (a)  The library is the depository for any record created or received by the office of a member of the legislature or the lieutenant governor during that official's term of office.
(b)  The legislative entity that transferred records to the library retains ownership and legal custody of those records, including records placed in a depository outside the library.  The legislative entity may retrieve the records for the legislature's use.  The director and library employees shall assist the legislative entity with retrieval of the records and shall return the records to the library following the legislature's use.
(c)  The director shall protect privileged or confidential legislative records held by the library from public disclosure at the direction of the legislative entity that transferred the records to the library.
(d)  The director shall receive requests under Chapter 552 for legislative records held by the library and respond as directed by the officer for public information of the legislative entity that transferred the records to the library.  The director shall notify the appropriate officer for public information as soon as practicable after receiving a request described by this subsection.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (H.B. 1962), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.0086. Placement in Other Depository

Sec. 324.0086.  PLACEMENT IN OTHER DEPOSITORY.  (a)  A member of the legislature may apply to the board to place records that were created or received by the member's office during the member's term in a depository other than the library.
(b)  The board shall:
(1)  create a list of preapproved depositories in which members of the legislature may place records of their legislative offices; and
(2)  by rule adopt policies and procedures to approve additional depositories.
(c)  The director is responsible for the preservation of records described by Subsection (a) placed in a depository other than the library.  Ownership and legal custody of the records remain with the legislature as provided by Section 324.0085.  The records may not be intermingled with other holdings of the institution that serves as a depository.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (H.B. 1962), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 28, eff. June 14, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.009. Gifts and Grants

Sec. 324.009.  GIFTS AND GRANTS.  (a)  The board may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for the purpose of funding any activity under this chapter.
(b)  All gifts, grants, and donations must be accepted in an open meeting by a majority of the voting members of the board and reported in the public record of the board with the name of the donor and purpose of the gift, grant, or donation.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 617, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 324 - Legislative Reference Library › Section 324.010. Copy Costs; Format

Sec. 324.010.  COPY COSTS;  FORMAT.  The library has exclusive authority to determine the charge for copies or reproduction of records in the custody of the library.  The library may reproduce records in a format such as CD-ROM, another computer-readable format, or any other format determined by the library and provide records in that format for a charge determined by the library.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 428, Sec. 6, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 325 - Sunset Law › Section 325.001. Short Title

Sec. 325.001.  SHORT TITLE.  This chapter may be cited as the Texas Sunset Act.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 325 - Sunset Law › Section 325.002. Definitions

Sec. 325.002.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "State agency" means an entity expressly made subject to this chapter.
(2)  "Advisory committee" means a committee, council, commission, or other entity created under state law whose primary function is to advise a state agency.
(3)  "Commission" means the Sunset Advisory Commission.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 1, 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 167, Sec. 2.12(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 196, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 596 (S.B. 619), Sec. 7.01, eff. June 10, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 325 - Sunset Law › Section 325.004. Staff

Sec. 325.004.  STAFF.  (a)  The commission shall employ an executive director to act as the executive head of the commission.
(b)  The executive director shall employ persons necessary to carry out this chapter through funds made available by the legislature.
(c)  The chairman and vice-chairman of the commission may each employ a staff to work for them on matters related to commission activities.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 325 - Sunset Law › Section 325.005. Rules

Sec. 325.005.  RULES.  The commission shall adopt rules necessary to carry out this chapter.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 325 - Sunset Law › Section 325.007. Agency Report to Commission

Sec. 325.007.  AGENCY REPORT TO COMMISSION.  (a)  Before September 1 of the odd-numbered year before the year in which a state agency subject to this chapter is abolished, the agency shall report to the commission:
(1)  information regarding the application to the agency of the criteria in Section 325.011; and
(2)  any other information that the agency considers appropriate or that is requested by the commission.
(b)  The reports under Subsection (a) must be submitted in electronic format only.  The commission shall prescribe the electronic format to be used.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 928 (H.B. 3249), Sec. 1.02, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (S.B. 1618), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 325 - Sunset Law › Section 325.0075. Reporting Requirements of Agency Being Reviewed

Sec. 325.0075.  REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF AGENCY BEING REVIEWED.  Before September 1 of the odd-numbered year before the year in which a state agency subject to this chapter is abolished, the agency shall submit to the commission, the governor, the lieutenant governor, and each member of the legislature a report that:
(1)  lists each report that the agency is required by a statute to prepare; and
(2)  evaluates the need for each report listed in Subdivision (1) based on whether factors or conditions have changed since the date the statutory requirement to prepare the report was enacted.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1128 (H.B. 326), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 325 - Sunset Law › Section 325.008. Commission Duties

Sec. 325.008.  COMMISSION DUTIES.  (a)  Before January 1 of the year in which a state agency subject to this chapter and its advisory committees are abolished, the commission shall:
(1)  review and take action necessary to verify the reports submitted by the agency under Section 325.007;
(2)  consult the Legislative Budget Board, the Governor's Budget, Policy, and Planning Division, the State Auditor, and the comptroller of public accounts, or their successors, on the application to the agency of the criteria provided in Section 325.011;
(3)  conduct a review of the agency based on the criteria provided in Section 325.011 and prepare a written report;  and
(4)  review the implementation of commission recommendations contained in the reports presented to the legislature during the preceding legislative session and the resulting legislation.
(b)  The written report prepared by the commission under Subsection (a)(3) is a public record.
(c)  Work performed under this section by the state auditor is subject to approval by the legislative audit committee for inclusion in the audit plan under Section 321.013(c).
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 785, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 928 (H.B. 3249), Sec. 1.03, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 325 - Sunset Law › Section 325.009. Public Hearings

Sec. 325.009.  PUBLIC HEARINGS.  (a)  Before February 1 of the year a state agency subject to this chapter and its advisory committees are abolished, the commission shall conduct public hearings concerning but not limited to the application to the agency of the criteria provided in Section 325.011.
(b)  The commission may hold the public hearings after the review of the agency required by Section 325.008(a)(3) is complete and available to the public.
(c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the commission may not discuss in a public hearing the application to an agency of the criteria provided in Section 325.011(14).  The commission staff shall notify the commission of any findings and recommendations regarding the criteria provided in Section 325.011(14).
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 928 (H.B. 3249), Sec. 1.04, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 596 (S.B. 619), Sec. 7.03, eff. June 10, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 325 - Sunset Law › Section 325.010. Commission Report

Sec. 325.010.  COMMISSION REPORT.  (a)  At each regular legislative session, the commission shall present to the legislature and the governor a report on the agencies and advisory committees reviewed.
(b)  In the report the commission shall include:
(1)  its findings regarding the criteria prescribed by Section 325.011, except Section 325.011(14);
(2)  its recommendations based on the matters prescribed by Section 325.012, except recommendations relating to criteria prescribed by Section 325.011(14); and
(3)  other information the commission considers necessary for a complete review of the agency.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 928 (H.B. 3249), Sec. 1.05, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 596 (S.B. 619), Sec. 7.04, eff. June 10, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 3 - Legislative Branch › Subtitle C - Legislative Agencies and Oversight Committees › Chapter 325 - Sunset Law › Section 325.012. Recommendations

Sec. 325.012.  RECOMMENDATIONS.  (a)  In its report on a state agency, the commission shall:
(1)  make recommendations on the abolition, continuation, or reorganization of each affected state agency and its advisory committees and on the need for the performance of the functions of the agency and its advisory committees;
(2)  make recommendations on the consolidation, transfer, or reorganization of programs within state agencies not under review when the programs duplicate functions performed in agencies under review;
(3)  make recommendations to improve the operations of the agency, its policy body, and its advisory committees, including management recommendations that do not require a change in the agency's enabling statute; and
(4)  make recommendations on the continuation or abolition of each reporting requirement imposed on the agency by law.
(b)  The commission shall include the estimated fiscal impact of its recommendations and may recommend appropriation levels for certain programs to improve the operations of the state agency, to be forwarded to the Legislative Budget Board.
(c)  The commission shall have drafts of legislation prepared to carry out the commission's recommendations under this section.
(d)  After the legislature acts on the report under Section 325.010, the commission shall present to the state auditor the commission's recommendations that do not require a statutory change to be put into effect.  Based on a risk assessment and subject to the legislative audit committee's approval of including the examination in the audit plan under Section 321.013, the state auditor may examine the recommendations and include as part of the next approved audit of the agency a report on whether the agency has implemented the recommendations and, if so, in what manner.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 785, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 928 (H.B. 3249), Sec. 1.07, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (S.B. 1618), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 990 (H.B. 1781), Sec. 6, eff. June 17, 2011.