SRC-MKV H.B. 3653 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3653 77R4004 MI-FBy: Ritter (Bernsen) Natural Resources 5/9/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, the Sabine-Neches waterway serves all of Jefferson County, but not all of the county is represented by the Jefferson County Navigation District. This lack of representation could prove deleterious to the Jefferson County Navigation District's efforts to remain competitive with other waterways in the state. Restructuring the Jefferson County Navigation District to better represent the people of Jefferson County may be accomplished by merging the existing navigation district with a newly created district. Subject to a confirmation election by the population of Jefferson County, H.B. 3653 creates the Jefferson County Waterway and Navigation District and merges it with the Jefferson County Navigation District. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. CREATION. Sets forth provisions relating to the creation of the Jefferson County Waterway and Navigation District (district). SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. Defines "commissioners court" and "district." SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Provides that the boundaries of the district are coextensive with the boundaries of Jefferson County, Texas. SECTION 4. FINDING OF BENEFIT. Sets forth provisions relating to finding of benefit. SECTION 5. GENERAL POWERS. Sets forth provisions relating to the rights, powers, privileges, authority, functions, and duties of the district. SECTION 6. ADDITIONAL POWERS. Sets forth certain additional powers granted to the district. SECTION 7. RELATIONSHIP OF DISTRICT TO EXISTING DISTRICTS IN AREA. Sets forth provisions relating to the relationship of the district to existing districts in the area regarding the district's powers and its authority to contract with the other districts for joint projects. SECTION 8. NAVIGATION AND CANAL COMMISSION. Sets forth provisions relating to the navigation and canal commission. SECTION 9. APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS. Sets forth provisions relating to the appointment of commissioners to the navigation and canal commission. SECTION 10. CONFIRMATION ELECTION. Sets forth provisions relating to the confirmation election for the district. SECTION 11. MERGER. Sets forth provisions relating to the merger of the Jefferson County Navigation District and the district. SECTION 12. FINDINGS RELATED TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Sets forth findings related to procedural requirements. SECTION 13. EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.