SRC-SLL S.B. 1509 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1509
By: Brown
Natural Resources
3-18-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Brazoria Drainage District No. 4 (district) is responsible
for promoting improved drainage and flood control in northern portions of
Brazoria County.  An ongoing program of improved drainage and flood
control is important as the population of the county grows.  This bill
will  expand the powers and duties of the district. 

PURPOSE
 
As proposed, S.B. 1509 expands the powers and duties of the Brazoria
Drainage District No. Four. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Brazoria Drainage District Number
Four in SECTIONS 4(j) and (m)(2) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. NAME OF DISTRICT.  Makes no change.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.  Defines "construction, demolition or
modification," "drainage channel," "detention facility," "flood control
improvement," "other drainage facility," "impervious cover," "drainage
plan," and "person." 

SECTION 3. SEAL.  Makes no change.

SECTION 4. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES.  Deletes references to Sections
50.061, 50.057, 50.029, and 50.054, Water Code.  Authorizes the district
to adopt rules regulating certain activities. Authorizes the district to
require any person who engages in certain activity to take certain
actions. Authorizes the district to assess reasonable impact fees in lieu
of construction of certain items by persons who engage in activity that is
subject to regulation by the district.  Authorizes the district to require
any person who is engaged in any activity described in Section (j) to
submit a drainage plan to the district.  Authorizes the district to
require drainage plans to be submitted under the seal of a professional
engineer licensed to practice in the State of Texas.  Authorizes the
district to adopt reasonable rules that concern the process for submitting
and approving drainage plans. 

SECTION 5. Makes no change.
  Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.