SRC-ARR S.B. 1502 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1502
By: Lindsay
Natural Resources
4/28/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Port of Houston Authority (PHA), a navigation district and
political subdivision of the state, manages the operations of the public
facilities along the Houston Ship Channel. Its existing container terminal
at Barbours Cut, which handles more than half of the container cargo in the
Gulf of Mexico, generates approximately $800 million in economic activity
each year. Because further development at Barbours Cut is constrained by
lack of expansion space, PHA is proposing to develop a new and even larger
container facility to be known as the Bayport Terminal Complex. S.B. 1502
would amend the condemnation powers of navigation districts, the ability of
navigation districts or port authorities to form local government
corporations, and procurement powers of navigation districts in order for a
container facility to be built. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1502 amends the condemnation powers of navigation
districts, the ability of navigation districts or port authorities to form
local government corporations, and procurement powers of navigation
districts. 

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 Section 62.106, Water Code, by deleting Subsection (d),
providing that no right of way be condemned through any part of an
incorporated city or town without the consent of the lawful authorities of
that city or town. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 431.003(3), Transportation Code, to redefine
"local government." 

SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 26, Water Code, by adding Subchapter I, as
follows: 

SUBCHAPTER I. PURCHASES; CONTRACTS

Sec. 62.350. PURCHASING CONTRACTS. Authorizes navigation district
(district) contracts valued at $25,000 or more in the aggregate for each
12-month period to be made by any of the methods available to school
districts under Chapter 44B, Education Code, that provides the best value
to the district.  

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.
                      Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.