Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

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FFAIRS/AgenciesAgencies
TATE AFFAIRS
77 th Texas Legislature
TexasOnline Authority and Project - S.B. 187
by Senator Shapleigh
House Sponsor: Representative Solomons
The Electronic Government Task Force, authorized by the 76th Legislature, has successfully launched the
TexasOnline Internet portal to provide a single point for citizens and businesses to access electronic
government (e-government) services in Texas.
Establishes a 15-member authority to provide vision, leadership, and operational oversight for the
TexasOnline portal project and requires the authority to report to the legislature on the feasibility of allowing
the sale and placement of advertising on TexasOnline.
Creates the TexasOnline Authority (authority) and sets out its membership, terms of office, and general
powers and duties.
Requires the authority to implement a project designated “TexasOnline” that establishes a common
electronic infrastructure through which state agencies and local governments may provide certain services.
Requires the authority to charge fees to licensing entities in amounts sufficient to cover the cost of
implementation. Requires each licensing entity to increase occupational license renewal fees by an
amount sufficient to cover the cost of the subscription fee imposed on the licensing entity, with certain
restrictions.
Requires certain licensing entities to establish a profile system containing certain information.
Sets forth provisions as to how the TexasOnline Project may be used.
Changes to the Employee Retirement System - S.B. 292
by Senator Armbrister
House Sponsor: Representative Telford
S.B. 292 is an ERS Omnibus Bill that enhances the application and consistency of benefits for ERS
members, provides cost of living adjustments for ERS annuitants, contains general housekeeping
provisions regarding ERS, and makes clarifications in some of the statutes affecting ERS.
Prohibits a member from accruing or establishing service credit in the employee class of membership when
the total amount of service credit, multiplied by the percentage in effect for computing annuities, exceeds
100. Provides that when the maximum amount of service credit is accrued or established by a member in
the employee or elected class, member and state contributions cease, although the member retains
membership.
Authorizes a person to reestablish service credit previously canceled in the retirement system if:
• the person is a member of the employee class and at least six months have elapsed since the end
of the month in which the cancellation became effective; or
• the person is a former member of the employee class and is a participant in the optional retirement
program.
Senate Research Center 251