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.