SRC-ARR S.B. 201 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 201
76R2054 WP-DBy: Truan
Border Affairs
2/15/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law does not authorize ports to contract with foreign
entities to facilitate waterborne trade. Texas ports are centers for
international trade and have no explicit authority to contract with foreign
individuals, corporations, or units of government to conduct their
business.  Navigation districts are only granted certain specific powers by
the Texas Constitution. S.B. 201 would provide explicit permission for
Texas ports to contract with Mexico and other nations or foreign entities
to facilitate water-borne trade.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 201 authorizes a navigation district to contract with
other parties. 

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 60A, Water Code, by adding Section 60.003, as
follows: 

Sec. 60.003. AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT FOR THE OPERATION OR DEVELOPMENT OF A
DISTRICT. Authorizes a district to contract with any person, foreign or
domestic, necessary or convenient to the operation or development of a
navigation district's ports and waterways. 

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