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.