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.