BLS H.B. 1154 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


NATURAL RESOURCES
H.B. 1154
By: Hightower
2-26-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Historically, when a political subdivision seeks funding from the Texas
Water Development Board ("the TWDB") for a public utility, there is no
requirement that the public be notified of this request. Ultimately, the
public (utility users) will be indirectly responsible for the repayment of
these funds. 

PURPOSE

To require those political subdivisions who seek funds through the TWDB to
do so in an open meeting.  

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 Subchapter E, Chapter 17, Water Code, by adding a new
Section 17.1765   to provide that before the TWDB may purchase bonds or
other obligations issued   by a political subdivision, the political
subdivision must certify to the TWDB that   the application for financial
assistance filed with the TWDB was approved in an   open meeting. 

SECTION 2. States effective date of September 1, 1997, and serves notice
that only those   applications for financial assistance filed with the
TWDB on or after that     date are affected by this bill. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.