SRC-JEC S.B. 633 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 633
77R5171 JMG-FBy: Bernsen
Intergovernmental Relations
2/22/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, unincorporated areas along the Texas coast lack the regulatory
authority to prohibit open fires on public beaches.  As proposed, S.B. 633
authorizes the commissioners court in these areas to prohibit, when
necessary, open fires on the beach. 

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 61D, Natural Resources Code, as follows:

SUBCHAPTER D.  New heading:  COUNTY REGULATION OF PUBLIC USE OF BEACHES

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 61.122, Natural Resources Code, as follows:

 Sec. 61.122.  New heading:  COUNTY REGULATORY AUTHORITY.

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 61.122, Natural Resources Code, to authorize the
commissioners court of a county bordering on the Gulf of Mexico or its
tidewater limits, by order, to prohibit open fires on a beach in the
unincorporated area of the county. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.