HBA-RBT S.B. 392 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 392
By: Brown (Bonnen)
Natural Resources
3/15/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas law requires the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC) to approve certain actions by navigation districts to
issue bonds supported by taxes. Larger navigation districts are exempt from
this provision, but smaller ports, including the Port of Beaumont and Port
of Freeport, have had to undergo the extra step of obtaining TNRCC approval
before proceeding with the issuance of tax-supported bonds. 

S.B. 392 repeals the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission's
authority to approve the issuance of tax-supported bonds by navigation
districts.  

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. Repealer: Section 60.350, Water Code (which requires Sections
49.181 (Authority of Commission Over Issuance of District Bonds) and 49.183
(Bond Sales), Water Code, as they relate to the authority of the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission over the issuance of district
bonds, to apply to bonds supported and issued by districts governed by this
chapter).   

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

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