BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 471
By: Hinojosa
Natural Resources
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993, established the Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network as a cooperative project of Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, Lamar University, the Texas Water Development Board, and the Texas General Land Office. The network collects data on natural processes affecting the coast for the purpose of studying, planning for, and managing human uses of the coast as they are affected by those natural processes.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has been a contractual partner with the General Land Office in the operation of the network since 1992. The Corps has contributed significant funds to the program annually and has assisted with making decisions about location, installation and/or removal of tide gauge equipment.
S.B. 471 codifies Chapter 616, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993, by adding Section 33.065, Natural Resources Code. The Corps has been added as a contractual partner. This bill clarifies language in the Act that incorrectly refers to the network as the Texas Coastal Observation Network, rather than the Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network.
S.B. 471 amends Section 33.004, Natural Resources Code, by defining "network" as the Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network, and amends Section 33.051 to add the network as one of the entities with duties provided under this subchapter.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 33.004, Natural Resources Code, by adding Subdivision (15) to define "network."
SECTION 2. Amends Section 33.051, Natural Resources Code, to include the Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network (network) among the entities required to perform the duties provided in this subchapter (Powers and Duties).
SECTION 3. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 33, Natural Resources Code, by adding Section 33.065, as follows:
Sec. 33.065. TEXAS COASTAL OCEAN OBSERVATION NETWORK. (a) Provides that the network is a cooperative project of Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, Lamar University, the Texas Water Development Board, and the General Land Office.
(b) Requires the network to collect data on natural processes affecting the coast for the purpose of studying, planning for, and managing human uses of the coast as they are affected by those natural processes.
(c) Requires the participating state entities to coordinate the project with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other appropriate entities, including private entities.
(d) Authorizes the participating state entities to contract and enter into agreements with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other appropriate entities, including private entities, as necessary to carry out their duties under this section.
SECTION 4. Repealer: Chapter 616 (relating to the establishment of the Texas Coastal Observation Network for collecting of coastal management data), Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993.
SECTION 5. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.