SRC-TNM H.B. 1692 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1692 By: Eiland (Patterson) Intergovernmental Relations 5-11-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, boards of trustees of harbor and port facilities are limited to issuing bonds and other obligations. As a result, it is unclear if a board may act for another purpose, such as owning property. Additionally, the power and authority given to a board is unclear whether certain contracts or expenditures are exempt from competitive bidding, whether boards may own, maintain, and operate transportation facilities, and the rights, privileges, and duties of peace officers employed. H.B. 1692 would clarify the purpose of the board of trustees of port and harbor facilities and several of the powers specifically granted. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1692 outlines provisions regarding the operation of publicly owned and operated harbor and port facilities located in certain municipalities. 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 Section 3(b), Article 1187f, V.T.C.S., to provide that if the management and control of the improvements and facilities is placed in the hands of a board of trustees of port and harbor facilities (board), by ordinance or charter, under Subsection (a) of this section, the board constitutes a body politic for the purpose of issuing bonds or other obligations and other purposes and shall have and exercise certain powers and authority, including the power to contract in its own name, except contracts exempt from competitive bidding; and the power to own, establish, construct, improve, equip, maintain, operate, regulate, protect, or police any transportation facility and its necessary appurtances. Deletes text regarding a certain power required to be held and exercised by the board. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.