BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 1285 By: Eiland Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current law authorizes a number of individuals who currently hold office in Texas to administer an oath. Only a retired judge has the ability to administer an oath after the judge's term has ended. There is a concern that while an incumbent of the office is authorized to administer an oath, a former state officer is unable to administer an oath once the former officer leaves office. This is disrespectful of the office and of the person who previously held office. H.B. 1285 authorizes a former secretary of state, a former lieutenant governor, a former speaker of the house of representatives, a former governor, or a former attorney general to administer an oath in Texas and issue a certificate of the fact. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS H.B. 1285 amends the Government Code to authorize a former secretary of state, a former lieutenant governor, a former speaker of the house of representatives, a former governor, or a former attorney general to administer an oath in Texas and issue a certificate of the fact. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.
BILL ANALYSIS
# BILL ANALYSIS
H.B. 1285
By: Eiland
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Committee Report (Unamended)
H.B. 1285
By: Eiland
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current law authorizes a number of individuals who currently hold office in Texas to administer an oath. Only a retired judge has the ability to administer an oath after the judge's term has ended. There is a concern that while an incumbent of the office is authorized to administer an oath, a former state officer is unable to administer an oath once the former officer leaves office. This is disrespectful of the office and of the person who previously held office. H.B. 1285 authorizes a former secretary of state, a former lieutenant governor, a former speaker of the house of representatives, a former governor, or a former attorney general to administer an oath in Texas and issue a certificate of the fact.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS H.B. 1285 amends the Government Code to authorize a former secretary of state, a former lieutenant governor, a former speaker of the house of representatives, a former governor, or a former attorney general to administer an oath in Texas and issue a certificate of the fact.
EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Current law authorizes a number of individuals who currently hold office in Texas to administer an oath. Only a retired judge has the ability to administer an oath after the judge's term has ended. There is a concern that while an incumbent of the office is authorized to administer an oath, a former state officer is unable to administer an oath once the former officer leaves office. This is disrespectful of the office and of the person who previously held office.
H.B. 1285 authorizes a former secretary of state, a former lieutenant governor, a former speaker of the house of representatives, a former governor, or a former attorney general to administer an oath in Texas and issue a certificate of the fact.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
H.B. 1285 amends the Government Code to authorize a former secretary of state, a former lieutenant governor, a former speaker of the house of representatives, a former governor, or a former attorney general to administer an oath in Texas and issue a certificate of the fact.
EFFECTIVE DATE
On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.