SRC-SEW S.B. 947 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 947
By: Brown, J. E. "Buster"
Natural Resources
3/19/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the oil-field cleanup fund is funded by statutorily mandated
fees and is unable to take advantage of loan programs offered at other
state agencies designed to protect Texas waters.  As proposed, S.B. 947
enables the Railroad Commission of Texas to seek and repay such loans for
the purpose of plugging abandoned oil wells. 

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 91.111(c), Natural Resources Code, to provide
that the oil-field cleanup fund (fund) consists of, among other monies, the
proceeds of loans or other indebtedness. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 91.112(a), Natural Resources Code, to authorize
money in the fund to be used by the Railroad Commission of Texas
(commission) or its employees or agents for certain purposes, including
repayment of a loan or other indebtedness, the proceeds of which have been
deposited to the fund. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2001.