BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1253

81R5856 PMO-D                                                                                                              By: Seliger

                                                                                                                               Natural Resources

                                                                                                                                            3/21/2009

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

S.B. 3, 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, authorized the use of water district or water supply corporation right-of-way easements for certain electric transmission projects.  This potentially allows private electric transmission companies to access land without following the normal procedures required of public transmission and distribution utilities.  By allowing this use, private transmission companies are able to coordinate with water districts to bypass the certificate of public convenience and necessity (CCN) process established at the Public Utilities Commission.  The CCN process is designed to guarantee public need, public participation, and proper regulatory oversight when land is authorized to be condemned.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1253  repeals Section 49.22055 (Use of Right-of-Way Easements for Certain Energy-Related Purposes), Water Code.

 

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.  Repealer:  Section 49.2205 (Use of Right-of-Way Easements for Certain Energy-Related Purposes), Water Code.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2009.