HBA-KMH H.B. 553 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 553
By: Maxey
Natural Resources
2/8/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The majority of commissioners that have served on the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission have brought technical expertise to the
job which has helped guide the agency through the intricate process of
deciding permitting and enforcement matters.  H.B. 553 requires the
appointment of at least one commissioner with a commitment to a long-term
policy regarding the natural resources of the state. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 5.052(a), Water Code, by adding a restriction to
the appointment of members  of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission that at least one member must be a person who has shown, before
appointment, an ongoing commitment to environmental conservation or
environmental protection. 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.