BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 4218
81R30263 TRH-F By: Turner, Sylvester (Hegar)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Current law requires the attorney general to represent the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in all matters before the state courts and any court of the United States.
H.B. 4218 requires the attorney representing the municipality to represent the municipality as regulatory authority in all matters before the state courts and any court of the United States.
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 13.042, Water Code, by adding Subsection (a-1), to require the municipal attorney or other appropriate attorney representing the municipality, if a municipality exercises its jurisdiction under Subsection (a) (relating to municipalities' exclusive original jurisdiction over water and utility services), to represent the municipality under this chapter in all matters before the state courts and any court of the United States.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2009.