SRC-JLB H.B. 1931 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1931
By: Capelo (Williams)
Natural Resources
5/7/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Natural Resources Code requires at least 30 days notice and an
opportunity for public comment before a pipeline project can be built, if
that pipeline crosses more than three counties, and prohibits the Texas
Railroad Commission from issuing the permit until said comments have been
considered.  H.B. 1931 repeals the existing provisions requiring at least
30 days notice and an opportunity for public comment before a pipeline
project can be built and amends certain subsections in the Texas Natural
Resources Code. 

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 117.012, Natural Resources Code, by amending
Subsections (h), (i), and (k) and adding Subsections (l) and (m), as
follows: 
 
(h)  Authorizes an operator or the operator's representative to conduct
required community liaison activities as provided by Subsection (i) only
if the operator or the operator's representative has made an effort, by
one of three certain methods, to conduct a community liaison meeting in
person with the officials. 

(i)  Makes conforming changes.

(k)  Requires the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC) by rule to require the
owner or operator of each intrastate hazardous liquid or carbon dioxide
pipeline facility any part of which is located within 1,000 feet of a
public school building containing classrooms, or within 1,000 feet of
another public school facility where students congregate, to perform
certain acts. 

(l)  Requires a pipeline operator or the operator's representative to
appear at a regularly scheduled meeting of the school board to explain the
items listed in Subsection (k) if requested by the school board. 
 
(m)  Prohibits TRC from requiring the release of parts of an emergency
response plan that include security sensitive information including maps
or data.  Requires security sensitive information to be made available for
review by but not provided to the school board. 
 
SECTION 2.  Repealer:  Section 81.056 (Pipeline Construction and Operation
Public Notification), Natural Resources Code. 
 
SECTION 3.  Provides that this Act applies to a permit application that is
pending with TRC on the effective date of this Act or filed with TRC after
that date. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.