SRC-AMY S.B. 1909 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1909
By: Lucio
International Relations and Trade
4/27/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there is no requirement that development plats bordering the
Rio Grande River and the Laguna Madre and/or the Gulf of Mexico, which are
susceptible to flooding from tropical storms, ensure adequate water
drainage.  This is a safety concern for this area, which includes colonias
and distressed areas.  Currently, there is overlapping jurisdiction
regarding drainage services.  As proposed, S.B. 1909 requires written plat
approval from all county entities which have authority and jurisdiction
over the drainage responsibilities of the area which is being subdivided
or being developed in a county bordering the Rio Grande River and the
Laguna Madre and/or the Gulf of Mexico. 

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 49.211, Water Code, by adding a new Subsection
(e), to require any subdivision or development of land in a county
bordering the Rio Grande River and the Laguna Madre and/or the Gulf of
Mexico to require written plat approval from all county entities which
have authority and jurisdiction over the drainage responsibilities of the
area which is being subdivided or being developed. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.