Texas House Bill HB799

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study conducted by the Legislative Budget Board on the impact to state agencies of federal regulations and mandates enacted by federal law.

Impact

This bill is particularly significant as it addresses the growing concern among state officials about the financial strains imposed by federal compliance requirements. The mandated investigations would include cost-benefit analyses contrasting compliance costs with the federal funding received, thus highlighting any discrepancies where the state has to compensate for unfunded mandates. The outcome of this bill could potentially reshape how state agencies manage their resources and comply with federal guidelines, calling attention to areas where federal aid may fall short.

Summary

House Bill 799 aims to direct the Legislative Budget Board to perform a comprehensive study on the impact of federal regulations and mandates on state agencies in Texas. The bill specifies that each agency will be subjected to a detailed examination regarding how compliance with federal laws influences both their operations and finances. The report generated from these studies is intended to provide actionable insights for the legislature, including suggestions on how to potentially alleviate federal regulatory burdens on state agencies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 799 seems to lean towards a proactive approach to governmental efficiency. Supporters of the bill believe that understanding the impact of federal regulations can lead to more effective state management and may encourage the pursuit of reforms or legislative actions to lessen the regulatory load. However, the discussion may face opposition from those who argue that this bill could foster arguments against necessary regulations that protect public interests.

Contention

A notable point of contention may arise from the recommendations that the Legislative Budget Board is directed to submit. Such recommendations could propose state or even federal legislative changes, instigating debate over the appropriateness of state responses to federal regulations. Furthermore, while the intent is to streamline agency operations, critics might concern themselves with the implications of reducing compliance on federally set standards, possibly leading to a conflict between state autonomy and federal oversight.