85R1583 YDB-D     By: Birdwell S.B. No. 525       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a review of state laws requiring an action or proceeding   to be brought in Travis County or a Travis County court.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 325, Government Code, is amended by   adding Section 325.0235 to read as follows:          Sec. 325.0235.  REVIEW OF CERTAIN STATE LAWS. (a)  The   commission shall review the laws of this state to identify each   statute and state agency rule that requires an action or proceeding   to be brought or considered in Travis County, a Travis County   district or statutory county court, or the Court of Appeals for the   Third Court of Appeals District.          (b)  For each statute or state agency rule identified under   Subsection (a), the commission shall make recommendations on   whether:                (1)  the location of the action or proceeding serves a   legitimate state purpose, other than the convenience of the state   agency, that supersedes the interests of persons required to travel   to Travis County to attend or participate in the action or   proceeding; or                (2)  the identified statute or rule should be revised   to authorize an action or proceeding to be brought or considered in   another county in this state.          (c)  If the commission recommends authorization of an action   or proceeding in another county under Subsection (b)(2), the   commission shall estimate any additional costs to this state that   would be incurred in implementing the revision.          (d)  The commission shall:                (1)  prepare a report on the statutes and state agency   rules identified under Subsection (a), the recommendations made   under Subsection (b), and the costs determined under Subsection   (c); and                (2)  not later than December 1, 2018, post the report   prepared under Subdivision (1) on the commission's Internet website   and submit an electronic copy of the report to the governor,   lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives.          (e)  The Texas Legislative Council shall assist the   commission in identifying the statutes and state agency rules   described by Subsection (a).  The Legislative Budget Board shall   assist the commission in estimating under Subsection (c) any   additional costs to this state that would be incurred in   implementing the recommendations made under Subsection (b)(2).          (f)  This section expires September 1, 2019.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.