JBM H.B. 574 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


NATURAL RESOURCES
H.B. 574
By: Hawley
4-16-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, the offices of the San Patricio Navigation District #1 are
located in Aransas Pass, Texas, while the offices of the county treasurer
of San Patricio County are in Sinton, Texas. Requiring the San Patricio
Navigation District to comply with the requirements of Chapter 62 of the
Water Code, specifically Sections 62.07, (county treasurer to be the
treasurer of the district), 62.152 (warrants) and 62.153 (duties of
district treasurer), is extremely burdensome. 

PURPOSE

To waive the requirements outlined in Chapter 62 for the San Patricio
Navigation District #1. 

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. (a)   Provides that, notwithstanding Section 62.073, Water
Code, the San Patricio Navigation District #1 commissioners may appoint a
qualified individual or financial institution to serve as district
treasurer.   (b)   Grants the appointed district treasurer all the powers
and duties of a county treasurer under Chapter 62, Water Code. 

SECTION 2. (a)  Provides that, notwithstanding Sections 62.152 and 62.153,
Water Code:  (1) the commissioners of the San Patricio Navigation District
#1 may authorize someone, in addition to the treasurer,  to sign a check,
draft, order or other written instrument to disburse the district's money,
and (2)  the district's money may only be disbursed by the appointed
treasurer or someone authorized by a resolution of the commissioners.  (b)
Provides that the commissioners may limit the authority of a person
authorized by the commissioners (under Subsection (a)) and may require the
person to furnish a fidelity bond in an amount specified by the
commissioners. 

SECTION 3. (a) Until the Commissioners can appoint a treasurer, the San
Patricio County treasurer is the district treasurer and has all the powers
and duties of a county treasurer under Chapter 62, Water Code.  (b)
Requires the San Patricio County treasurer to transfer all district funds
to the district treasurer after the appointment and after the treasurer
has executed a bond required by Section 62.074, Water Code. 

SECTION 4. Effective Date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.