SRC-TJG H.B. 839 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 839 78R7987 QS-DBy: Howard (Armbrister) Natural Resources 4/11/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE As members of water district boards, board members are often in charge of awarding large contracts and reviewing bids on various projects. Currently, board members may legally leave the board and immediately become employed by companies under contract with the board or work as a contractor for the district. H.B. 839 prohibits a person who has served as a director of a district from contracting with the district or being employed by organizations which have been awarded contracts by the district for one year after leaving the board. 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 Subchapter C, Chapter 49, Water Code, by adding Section 49.072, as follows: Sec. 49.072. LIMITATION ON FUTURE EMPLOYMENT. (a) Prohibits a person who has served as a director of a district from contracting with that district or being employed by an organization to which the district has awarded a contract for one year following the date on which the person ceased to serve as a director. (b) Provides that this section does not apply to a person who has served as director of a district that performs agricultural irrigation functions under Chapter 51 (Water Control and Improvement Districts), 55 (Water Improvement Districts), or 58 (Irrigation Districts) if the person, when serving as director, was required to own land as a qualification for office. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.