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.