ATTORNEY GENERAL
Under provisions set out in the Texas Constitution, the Texas Government Code, 
Title 4, sec.402.042 and numerous statutes, the attorney general is authorized 
to write advisory opinions for state and local officials. These advisory 
opinions are requested by agencies or officials when they are confronted with 
unique or unusually difficult legal questions. The attorney general also 
determines, under authority of the Texas Open Records Act, whether information 
requested for release from governmental agencies may be held from public 
disclosure. Requests for opinions, opinions, and open record decisions are 
summarized for publication in the Texas Register. The Attorney General responds 
to many requests for opinions and open records decisions with letter opinions. A 
letter opinion has the same force and effect as a formal Attorney General 
Opinion, and represents the opinion of the Attorney General unless and until it 
is modified or overruled by a subsequent letter opinion, a formal Attorney 
General Opinion, or a decision of a court of record. To request copies of 
opinions, phone (512) 462-0011. To inquire about pending requests for opinions, 
phone (512) 463-2110.

Requests for Opinions
(RQ-843). Request from Honorable Carl E. Lewis, County Attorney, Nueces County 
Courthouse, 901 Leopard, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401-3680, concerning whether 
the Corpus Christi Regional Transit Authority may provide financial assistance 
to an organization that provides emergency medical transportation services by 
helicopter.
(RQ-844). Request from Honorable Harvey Hilderbran, Chair, Committee on Human 
Services, House of Representatives, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, Texas 78768-2910, 
concerning Constitutionality of sec.212.015, Local Government Code which relates 
to replatting requirements.
(RQ-845). Request from David R. Smith, M.D., Commissioner of Health, Texas 
Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3199, 
concerning whether a "coach" may participate in the physical rehabilitation of 
student athletes without being licensed as an "athletic trainer" under Texas 
Civil Statutes, Article 4512d.
(RQ-847). Request from William G. Burnett, Executive Director, Texas Department 
of Transportation, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2483, concerning 
requirements imposed in the Texas Department of Transportation by House Bill 
433, Acts 1995, 74th Legislature, Regular Session, Chapter 751, 1995 Texas 
Session Law Service 3888, and House Bill 1863, Acts 1995, 74th Legislature, 
Regular Session, Chapter 655, 1995 Texas Session Law Service 3543, both of which 
require, among other things certain state agencies to suspend the "license" of 
any individual who is delinquent in the payment of child support.
(RQ-848). Request from Honorable Steven C. Hilbig, Bexar County Criminal 
District Attorney, Bexar County Justice Center, 300 Dolorosa, Suite 5072, San 
Antonio, Texas 78205-3030, concerning whether a deputy constable may be 
classified as an "employee" pursuant to Local Government Code, Chapter 158.
(RQ-849). Request from Barry B. Thompson, Chancellor, Texas A&M University 
System, 301 Tarrow, Seventh Floor, College Station, Texas 77843-1122, concerning 
whether the city of College Station may expend funds on behalf of the George 
Bush Library at Texas A&M University.
(RQ-850). Request from Honorable Mike Driscoll, Harris County Attorney, 1001 
Preston, Suite 634, Houston, Texas 77002-1891 concerning authority of the Harris 
County Hospital District to expend funds to provide legal counsel to represent 
an employee of the district in civil litigation.
TRD-9512473