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.