H.B. 3272 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 3272
By: Gallego
Border and International Affairs
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 


Currently, port authority designation can only be given through the
legislative process.  Port Authority designation would create a legal
entity through state statute to develop, administer, and oversee
intermodal transportation. This transportation system could be very
beneficial to certain counties in terms of economic stability and
development.  H.B. 3272 would allow a county with a population of less
than 15,000 that is adjacent to an international boundary and contains a
class A port of entry to create a port of entry authority (authority).   


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly delegate
any rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.  

ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  House Bill 3273 amends the Local Government Code to authorize
the commissioners court of a county with a population of less than 15,000
that is adjacent to an international boundary and contains a class A port
of entry to create a port of entry authority (authority).  The bill
provides that the jurisdiction of the port authority is coextensive with
the jurisdiction of  the county creating the authority.  

H.B. 3272 provides for the authority to be governed by a board of
directors and provides for the composition, membership, and operation of
the board of directors.  The bill sets for certain powers and duties of
the board of directors.  

H.B. 3272 authorizes the authority, if approved at an election held in the
authority for that purpose, to impose an ad valorem tax on property and to
issue bonds payable from the proceeds of the tax. The bill requires the
county tax assessor-collector to assess and collect taxes for the
authority and provides for the management of money collected by the
authority.  The bill requires the authority, at least once a year, to hire
a certified public accountant to conduct an audit of its books, accounts,
and records and provides for the commissioners court to examine the
accounts and books of the authority if the audit does not occur. 

H.B. 3272 authorizes the commissioners court to dissolve the authority at
any time, unless the authority has outstanding indebtedness, and requires
the county to resume the assets and liabilities of the authority on its
dissolution.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage or, if it does not receive the necessary vote, this Act will
be effective September 1, 2003.