BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                           H.B. 2966

                                                                                                                                         By: Seaman

                                                                                                                                     Transportation

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Section 60.071 of the Texas Water Code provides that a Port Authority or Water District may pass, amend and repeal any ordinance, rule or police regulation which is not contrary to the constitution or laws of this state and which is necessary to protect the property and to promote the health, safety and general welfare of persons using this property.  Districts may enact ordinances to enforce any of its laws.  Violations of these ordinances are equivalent to Class C misdemeanors under the Texas Penal Code.  Conviction in a criminal court for violating Water District/Port Authority ordinances is currently punishable by a fine of no more than $200.00; however, the maximum fine for Class C Misdemeanors in the Texas Penal code is $500.00.  The purpose of H.B. 2966 is to allow the above authorities to increase the maximum fine for violations of ordinances from $200.00 to $500.00. 

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

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

 

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 2966 allows water districts or port authorities to increase the maximum fine for violations of ordinances from $200.00 to $500.00.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2005.