AN ACT
 1-1     relating to an exemption from sand and gravel permit requirements.
 1-2           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-3           SECTION 1.  Section 86.0191, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
 1-4     amended to read as follows:
 1-5           Sec. 86.0191.  EXEMPTION.  (a)  The commission shall, by
 1-6     rule, exempt entities from the requirements of this chapter
 1-7     regarding permits and fees required for disturbing or taking marl,
 1-8     sand, gravel, shell, and mudshell for noncommercial purposes when
 1-9     such disturbances or takings occur for maintenance projects or
1-10     construction of new utility lines carried out by public utilities.
1-11           (b)  Public utilities shall make every reasonable effort to
1-12     use best management practices established by the commission.
1-13           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 1999.
1-14           SECTION 3.  The importance of this legislation and the
1-15     crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
1-16     emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
1-17     constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
1-18     days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.
         _______________________________     _______________________________
             President of the Senate              Speaker of the House
               I hereby certify that S.B. No. 707 passed the Senate on
         March 25, 1999, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Secretary of the Senate
               I hereby certify that S.B. No. 707 passed the House on
         May 23, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House
         Approved:
         _______________________________
                     Date
         _______________________________
                   Governor