SRC-ARR S.B. 392 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 392
By: Brown
Natural Resources
6/28/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

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 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 TNRCC's authority to approve the issuance of tax-supported
bonds by navigation districts. 

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 392  repeals the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission's authority to approve the issuance of tax-supported bonds by
navigation districts and makes application of this Act prospective. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Repealer: Section 60.350, Water Code (Bonds).

SECTION 2. Provides that the repeal of this Act does not affect the
applicability of Section 49.181, Water Code, to bonds with regard to which
an application and report were submitted to the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission under Section 49.181(b), Water Code, before the
effective date of this Act. Provides that those bonds are governed by
Section 49.181, Water Code, and Section 60.350, Water Code, continues in
effect as to those bonds for that purpose. Provides that the repeal by this
Act does not affect the applicability of Section 49.183, Water Code, to
bonds issued before the effective date of this Act.  Provides that those
bonds are governed by Section 49.183, Water Code, and Section 60.350, Water
Code, continues in effect as to those bonds for that purpose. 

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