SRC-TNM S.B. 1175 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1175
By: Whitmire
Natural Resources
4-7-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, municipality utility districts (MUDs) created under Chapter 54,
Water Code, are represented by elected boards of directors.  One issue
raised by qualified voters within MUDs is dissatisfaction with the
performance of the MUD board of directors.  Because voters do not
supervise their MUD's daily operations, there is little chance for voters
to persuade MUD board directors to improve the efficiency of their
management of the MUD, with the exception of voting in the next regularly
scheduled MUD board election.  Some MUD residents and businesses have
stated that by having the option of a recall election available, they
would have an opportunity to vote to remove and replace a director before
the next regular election.  S.B. 1175 outlines provisions regarding recall
elections to remove a member of the board of directors of a municipal
utility district. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1175 outlines provisions regarding recall elections to
remove a member of the board of directors of a municipal utility district. 

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 Chapter 54C, Water Code, by adding Section 54.103, as
follows: 

Sec. 54.103. RECALL ELECTION PROCEDURES. Authorizes the qualified voters
of a municipal utility district (MUD), in an election held for the
purpose, to recall a board member as provided by this section.  Provides
that a recall election is initiated by filing a recall petition with the
general manager of the MUD or attorney for the MUD.  Sets forth
requirements and outlines provisions regarding recall election procedures. 

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