HBA-NLM H.B. 304 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 304 By: Wise State Affairs 2/9/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, a state agency is not required to produce printed copies of an electronic publication. Although the Internet has become an acceptable and widely used resource, there is concern that this method excludes many people and communities from having access to information due to the lack of computer resources and technology. Without notification from state agencies regarding the availability of documents on the Internet and how long the information will be posted, acquisition of materials available off the Internet may be incomplete. H.B.304 requires a state agency to provide the Texas State Library with printed copies of all electronic format publications. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS February 8, 1999 SECTION 1. Amends Section 441.103(c), Government Code, as follows: (c)(1) Requires a state agency, on release of a state publication in an electronic format, to provide the Texas State Library either on-line access to the publication or copies of the publication on an electronic external storage device in the number of copies prescribed by the Archives Commission (commission) but not to exceed 75. Creates Paragraphs (A)-(B) from existing text. Redesignates Subdivision (2) to Paragraph (B). Makes conforming changes. (2) Provides that if the publication is released in an electronic format only, a state agency is also required to provide printed copies of the publication in the number of copies prescribed by the commission but not in excess of 75. SECTION 2. Amends Section 441.104, Government Code, to require the Texas State Library to make available a printed index of state publications that are available in electronic format and to provide printed copies of state publications that are available only in electronic format to depository libraries and other libraries on request. Makes conforming and nonsubtantive changes. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.