Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

___________________S TATE
FFAIRS/GeneralGeneral
TATE AFFAIRS
77 th Texas Legislature
Designates the missing persons DNA database fund.
Creates an advisory committee made up of medical examiners, law enforcement officials, and other
interested persons to prioritize identification of the backlog of high-risk missing persons cases and
unidentified remains.
Certain Out-of-State Officers May Carry Weapons in Texas - S.B. 1713
by Senator Van de Putte
House Sponsor: Representative Garcia
Allows commissioned peace officers of another state and special investigators to carry weapons in the
same manner as peace officers in this state, including in an establishment serving the public, regardless of
whether the officer or investigator is engaged in the actual discharge of the officer’s or investigator’s duties
while carrying the weapon.
Office of Rural Community Affairs - H.B. 7
by Representative Chisum, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Sibley
Promoting economic development and ensuring the general welfare of rural communities in Texas is a
continuing challenge for Texas state government. Social and economic forces in rural Texas have led to
post offices and hospitals being closed or consolidated; home-owned cafes, department stores, and banks
being replaced by national chains; ever smaller graduating classes; downtowns being bypassed by
highway loops; and empty storefronts on Main Street. It is clear that rural Texas is in a state of transition.
The future of rural communities lies in how well rural Texas communities adjust to the changes.
During the interim, the House Select Committee on Rural Development found that there is no focus point at
the state or federal level for rural policy formulation or implementation, which results in fragmented policies
spread among a myriad of governmental agencies. All levels of government have a hand in developing
and implementing rural policy and cooperation and coordination are essential to maximizing the
effectiveness of policy programs.
Creates the Office of Rural Community Affairs (office), makes it subject to the Texas Sunset Act, and sets
its review by the Sunset Commission in 2007.
Sets forth duties related to the office and the executive committee.
Establishes the Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for rural health care. Sets forth
guidelines regarding selection, eligibility, award and amount of loans, and loan forgiveness. Requires
institutions of higher education to report on the progress of outstanding rural scholars.
Senate Research Center 275