SRC-JRN H.B. 1154 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1154
By: Hightower (Nixon)
Natural Resources
4-23-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, there is no requirement that the public be notified of the
request of a political subdivision seeking funding from the Texas Water
Development Board (board).  Public utility users are indirectly
responsible for the repayment of borrowed funds from the board.  This bill
requires political subdivisions seeking funds from the board to make a
request for funding in a public meeting. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1154 requires political subdivisions seeking funds from
the Texas Water Development Board to make a request for funding in a
public meeting. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 17E, Water Code, by adding Section 17.1765, as
follows: 

Sec. 17.1765. CERTIFICATION OF APPLICATION.  Requires a political
subdivision to certify to the Texas Water Development Board (board) that
the application for financial assistance filed with the board was approved
in an open meeting, before the board is authorized to purchase bonds or
other obligations issued by a political subdivision. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.