SRC-SLL S.B. 1338 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1338
By: Patterson
Natural Resources
3-21-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Open Beaches Act prohibits a non-pervious surface within
200 feet of the mean vegetation line inland along the coast.  This has
slowed development in Galveston and Brazoria counties.  This bill will
authorize concrete to be poured within 200 feet of the mean vegetation
line, provided the concrete is reinforced by fiber fill and not larger
than four feet by four feet. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1338 prohibits the commissioner of the General Land
Office from prohibiting a local government from authorizing certain
construction within 200 feet landward of the natural vegetation line in
certain coastal counties. 

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 61.011, Natural Resources Code, by adding
Subsection (f), to prohibit the commissioner of the General Land Office,
by rule, from prohibiting a local government from issuing a permit or
certificate authorizing the construction, within 200 feet landward of the
line of vegetation, of a concrete slab that is reinforced only by fiber
fill and that is not larger than four feet by four feet.  Provides that
this subsection applied only in a county that is adjacent to a county with
a population of over 2.5 million and that is contiguous to the Gulf of
Mexico. 

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