BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1676
By: Hegar
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
There are no general law provisions for the creation of river authorities, and there is no general purpose definition of a "river authority." Currently, river authorities are established and operate pursuant to their own statute, which can only be found in the session laws. The Lower Colorado River Authority (authority) was created by the legislature in 1934, and since then has played a variety of roles in Central Texas, growing from providing flood control protection to delivering electricity managing the water supply and environment of the Lower Colorado River basin, developing water and wastewater utilities, providing public recreation areas, and supporting community and economic development.
The authority has increased its role and expanded so much that it is necessary for the legislature to review the authority's duties and functions periodically to ensure its effectiveness. A sunset review of the authority would serve as an opportunity to evaluate its powers and duties, financing, fee structures, service areas, board compositions, relationships with other river authorities, competition with private sector service providers, communities served, and its role in and contributions to the state's water plan.
As proposed, S.B. 1676 requires the authority to undergo a sunset review, which is to be conducted as if the authority were scheduled to be abolished September 1, 2009, but the bill prohibits the abolishment of the authority.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 222.001, Chapter 222, Water Code, by adding Subsection (d), as follows:
(d) Provides that the Lower Colorado River Authority (authority) is a state agency subject to review for the purposes of Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act), Government Code, but the abolishment of the authority under that Act is prohibited. Requires the review to be conducted as if the authority were scheduled to be abolished September 1, 2009.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.