SRC-MWN S.B. 356 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 356
77R2402 MI-DBy: Lucio
Natural Resources
2/16/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) has
developed innovative programs to reform the state's approach to
environmental regulation. However, it is difficult to determine whether
some of these programs are achieving these goals because program results
are not being measured adequately. As proposed, S.B. 356 requires the TNRCC
and the Legislative Budget Board to work together to create adequate
performance measures for all innovative environmental programs. 

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. Amends Chapter 5D, Water Code, by adding Section 5.127, as
follows: 

Sec. 5.127. CREATION OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES FOR INNOVATIVE REGULATORY
PROGRAMS. Requires the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(commission) to work with the Legislative Budget Board to create
performance measures that assess the improvements in environmental quality
achieved by innovative regulatory programs implemented by the commission. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.