SRC-HRD C.S.H.B. 3540 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 3540
By: Price (Galloway)
Intergovernmental Relations
5-16-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

In 1949, the 51st Legislature, Regular Session, created the Port of
Beaumont Navigation District of Jefferson County.  Section 10, Chapter
147, of the enabling legislation provided that the port district shall, at
all times, be composed of four wards so that each ward within said
district shall contain as nearly as possible the same number of electors.
Additionally, Section 9, Chapter 147, states, "each ward is entitled to
representation on the Board of Port Commissioners by a resident of the
ward."               
Although there are four wards and each ward is entitled to representation
on the board by a resident of that ward, all six board members are
currently elected at-large.  There are concerns that this undermines the
principles of equal representation among wards.

This bill would provide for equal representation among the four wards.
One commissioner would be elected from each of the four wards by the
qualified voters of that ward.  The two remaining commissioners would be
elected at-large by the qualified voters of the district.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3540 sets forth requirements for the election of
commissioners of the Port of Beaumont Navigation District of Jefferson
County. 

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 Sections 9(d), Chapter 147, Acts of the 51st
Legislature, Regular Session, 1949, to require one commissioner
(commissioner) of the Port of Beaumont Navigation District (district) to
be elected from each of the four wards established under Section 10 of
this Act by the qualified voters of that ward.  Requires two commissioners
to be elected at large by the qualified voters of the district.  Deletes
text regarding the election of commissioners by the voters of the
district-at-large. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Amends proposed Section 9, Chapter 147, Acts of the 51st Legislature,
Regular Session, 1949, to removed proposed changes to Subsection (a). 

SECTION 2.

Removes proposed SECTION 2 and redesignates proposed SECTION 3 as SECTION
2.