Texas House Bill HB1701

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the approval period for a proposal for an award of a grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund.

Impact

The legislation is expected to bring significant changes to the way grant proposals are handled under the Texas Enterprise Fund. It introduces a structured timeline for approvals which aims to enhance efficiency in funding accessibility for economic development projects. By establishing clear deadlines, the bill seeks to minimize delays in grant approvals, thereby potentially accelerating the state's efforts in supporting businesses and projects that contribute to economic growth.

Summary

House Bill 1701 seeks to amend the approval period for proposals related to grants awarded by the Texas Enterprise Fund. The bill stipulates that the governor must submit grant proposals to the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house for prior approval. Notably, if the lieutenant governor or speaker does not respond within the 31-day review period, the proposal is deemed disapproved, although they can extend this period by an additional 14 days. The intent behind the bill is to streamline the approval process and promote timely decisions regarding economic development initiatives in Texas.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1701 appears to be generally positive, particularly among those who advocate for a more responsive government infrastructure when it comes to economic development initiatives. Supporters argue that the bill will facilitate quicker funding for important projects, aligning with broader economic goals. However, some concerns were raised about the implications of such timelines and whether they might limit thorough evaluation of proposals under pressure, although broader opposition has not been prominent.

Contention

A key contention surrounding HB 1701 is the balance between efficiency and thoroughness in legislative oversight. While proponents emphasize the importance of rapid decision-making in economic development, critics voice concern that the pressure of deadlines might lead to hasty approvals without adequate scrutiny. There might also be apprehensions regarding the concentration of power in the executive branch as it relates to grant approvals, which could overshadow legislative oversight mechanisms.