BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 3232
By: Price
05-03-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND
In 1949 the 51st Legislature, Regular Session, created the Port of
Beaumont Navigation District of Jefferson County.  Section 10,
Chapter 147, of the enabling legislation provided that the port
district shall, at all times, be comprised of four wards so that
each ward within said district shall contain as nearly as possible
the same number of electors.  Additionally, Section 9, Chapter 147,
states, "each ward is entitled to representation on the Board of
Port Commissioners by a resident of the ward."

Although there are four wards, and each ward is entitled to
representation on the Board by a resident of that ward, currently
all six Board members are elected at-large.  

Additionally, Board members now are elected for a term of six
years.  This term is longer than the terms of most elected
officials. 

PURPOSE
To guarantee equal representation among the four wards.  One
commissioner shall be elected from each of the four wards by the
qualified voters of that ward.  The two remaining commissioners
shall be elected at-large by the qualified voters of the district. 

Additionally, each commissioner will be elected for a term of four
years.  The elections shall be staggered, with the terms three
commissioners expiring every two years.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency, or institution.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
Section 1.  Amends Sections 9 (a) and (d), Chapter 147, Acts of the
51st Legislature, Regular Session, 1949, to provide for four year
terms.  Additionally, four commissioners will            be elected
by the residents of each ward and two commissioners will be elected
at-large, rather than all six commissioners being elected at-large.

Section 2.  Provides for an election of all six board members on
the first Saturday in May 1997, with the elected persons drawing
lots to determine initial term length to phase in new election
requirements.

Section 3.  Emergency Clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION
H.B.3232 was considered by the committee in a formal meeting on May
3, 1995.
No testimony was received.
The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with a
recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the
Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 7
ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 2 absent.