SRC-SEW S.B. 632 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 632
77R5172 JMG-FBy: Bernsen
Intergovernmental Relations
2/20/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, the Natural Resources Code allows coastal counties to
regulate traffic on the beach but does not state specifically that they may
prohibit driving on the dunes.  Galveston County is currently facing
problems regarding excessive and dangerous driving on beaches.   
As proposed, S.B. 632 authorizes the commissioners courts in coastal
counties to prohibit any motor vehicle traffic on the dunes. 

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 Section 61.122(a), Natural Resources Code, to authorize
the commissioners court of a county bordering on the Gulf of Mexico or its
tidewater limits, by order, to regulate motor vehicle traffic on any beach
within the boundaries of the county, including prohibiting motor vehicle
traffic on any natural or man-made sand dune or other form of shoreline
protection. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2001.