BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1991
88R13586 LRM-D	By: Bettencourt
	Local Government
	3/31/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 1991 applies only to the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (authority). Current law is silent on the manner in which disbursements are made by the authority. In addition, current law requires that two authority board members to physically sign authority checks.

Current law creates uncertainty regarding the conditions and methods for making disbursements and the ability of the board to make such decisions. Board members must physically go to the authority's headquarters to sign checks.

S.B. 1991 fills a gap in the law by authorizing the board to determine how disbursements may be made under varying circumstances determined by the board. The bill also provides that two board members must approve, rather than sign, a check making a disbursement. Board members can still elect to sign checks (such as those over a certain amount) or delegate the authority to another authority official.

As proposed, S.B. 1991 amends current law relating to the authorization of disbursements by the board of directors of the North Harris County Regional Water Authority.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 888.202, Special District Local Laws Code, as follows:

Sec. 8888.202. AUTHORIZATION OF DISBURSEMENT. (a) Requires the board of directors of the North Harris County Regional Water Authority by rule to determine an efficient means of authorizing disbursements of the authority, including by electronic means.

(b) Requires that a disbursement of the authority be authorized, rather than signed, by at least two directors.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.