The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes amendments to §5.1 concerning definitions and an amendment to the title of Subchapter A. These amendments update the definitions of "comptroller" and "payroll period", and make it easier for users of Chapter 5 to find and use the definitions that apply to the entire chapter.

The amendment to §5.1 updates the definition of comptroller in paragraph (1) to make it the same as the definition of this term used in other sections of Chapter 5; adds "pay period" to the definition of "payroll period" in paragraph (3) because these terms have the same meaning and are used interchangeably throughout Chapter 5; and deletes the definition of "state pay warrant" in paragraph (4) because the term is being removed from this chapter in a separate proposal.

The amendment to the title of Subchapter A changes the title from "Judiciary Department Procedures" to "Definitions" to make it easier for users of Chapter 5 to find and use the definitions listed in Subchapter A, which apply to the entire chapter.

Tom Currah, Chief Revenue Estimator, has determined that during the first five years that the proposal is in effect, the rule: will not create or eliminate a government program; will not require the creation or elimination of employee positions; will not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency; will not require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency; will not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to the rules applicability; and will not positively or adversely affect this state's economy. This proposal amends an existing rule.

Mr. Currah also has determined that the proposal would have no fiscal impact on small businesses or rural communities. The rule would have no fiscal impact on the state government, units of local government, or individuals. The proposed amendment would benefit the public by improving searches within the article. There would be no anticipated economic cost to the public.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Rob Coleman, Director, Fiscal Management Division, at rob.coleman@cpa.texas.gov or at P.O. Box 13528 Austin, Texas 78711. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The section is proposed under Government Code, §2101.035(a), which authorizes the comptroller to adopt rules for the effective operation of the uniform statewide accounting system (USAS).

This section implements Government Code, §2101.035, concerning administration of USAS.