HBA-CMT S.B. 632 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 632 By: Bernsen County Affairs 4/17/2001 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Legislation passed last session to prevent deterioration of Texas beaches. Counties along the gulf coast need support in their efforts to preserve Texas beaches. The regulation of shorelines offers an important means for protecting the welfare of the beaches and the public. Senate Bill 632 gives the commissioners courts of counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico or its tidewater limits the authorization to prohibit driving on natural or man-made sand dunes or other structures created for shoreline protection. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS Senate Bill 632 amends the Natural Resources Code to authorize the commissioners court of a county bordering on the Gulf of Mexico or its tidewater limits to prohibit motor vehicle traffic on any natural or man-made sand dune or other form of shoreline protection. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2001.