SRC-JXG S.B. 1883 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1883
76R13383 DWS-FBy: Harris
Natural Resources
4/26/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, some confusion exists over whether municipal franchise fees
could be included in the rates charged to a state agency by a utility. In
1993, the 73rd Legislature passed S.B. 83, which established what amounts
could be included in the rates a utility could charge a state agency. S.B.
1883 would provide that municipal fees were intended to be included in the
rates a utility could charge a state agency. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1883 clarifies language regarding municipal fees included
in the rates a utility could charge a state agency. 

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 104.202, Utilities Code, by adding Subsection
(c), to provide that a gross receipts assessment, regulatory assessment, or
similar expense of the utility does not include a payment to a municipality
under a contract, franchise, or other agreement. 

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