BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                              S.B. 471

                                                                                                                                       By: Hinojosa

                                                                                                          Land & Resource Management

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

The 73^rd Texas Legislature established the Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network as a cooperative project involving certain state universities and agencies. 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 purpose of S.B. 471 is to codify Chapter 616, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993, by adding Natural Resources Code Section 33.065. 

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

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

 

ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.               Amends Section 33.004, Natural Resources Code, by adding Subdivision

                                    (15) as follows:

 

                                    Defines "Network" to mean the Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network.

 

SECTION 2.               Amends Section 33.051, Natural Resources Code, to add the Network to the group of entities performing duties under this subchapter.

 

SECTION 3.               Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 33, Natural Resources Code, by adding

                                    Section 33.065, as follows:

 

                                    States that the Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network is a cooperative project of Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, Lamar University, the Texas Water Development Board, and the Texas General Land Office.

                                   

                                    Requires the network to collect certain data in order to study, plan, and manage human use as they are affected by natural processes.                                  

                                    Requires participating state entities to coordinate projects with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other appropriate entities, including private entities.

 

                                    Authorizes certain state entities to contact and enter into agreements with other entities.

                                   

SECTION 4.               Repeals Chapter 616, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993.

 

SECTION 5.               Effective Date           

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

This Act takes effect September 1, 2005, or immediately if approved by two-thirds of all members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.