SRC-ARR S.B. 707 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 707
76R7978 MI-FBy: Carona
Natural Resources
3/17/1999
Committee Report (Amended)


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires public
utilities to obtain a permit for construction activities. This includes
application submittal and possibly a lengthy public notice process
depending on whether or not the executive director determines that the
activity can be authorized under a general permit or an individual permit.
S.B. 707 exempt certain entities from obtaining a permit for the
construction of new utility lines. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 707 exempts certain enties from sand and gravel permit
requirements.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
in SECTION 1 (Section 86.0191, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 86.0191, Parks and Wildlife Code, to require the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (commission), by rule, to exempt
entities from the requirements of this chapter regarding permits and fees
required for disturbing or taking marl, sand, gravel, shell, and mudshell
for noncommercial purposes when such disturbances or takings occur for
maintenance projects or construction of new utility lines carried out by
public utilities. Requires public utilities to make every reasonable effort
to use best management practices established by the commission. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1. 

Amends Section 86.0191, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Subsection (b),
to require public utilities to make every reasonable effort to use best
management practices established by the commission. Makes a conforming
change.