81R21244 SLB-D

By: Smith of Harris H.B. No. 3758

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3758:

By: Smith of Tarrant C.S.H.B. No. 3758

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the port authority advisory committee and funding of port security, facility projects, and studies.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 55.001(5), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

(5) "Port security, transportation, or facility project" means a project that is necessary or convenient for the proper operation of a public maritime port and that will improve the security, movement, and intermodal transportation of cargo or passengers in commerce and trade.

SECTION 2. Section 55.006(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) The committee consists of seven members appointed by the commission. The members shall be appointed as follows:

(1) one member from the Port of Houston Authority;

(2) three members who represent maritime ports on the upper Texas coast; and

(3) three members who represent maritime ports on the lower Texas coast.

SECTION 3. Section 55.007, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 55.007. DUTIES OF COMMITTEE. The committee shall:

(1) prepare a port mission plan;

(2) review each project eligible to be funded under this chapter and make recommendations for approval or disapproval to the department;

(3) every two years [maintain trade data information that will assist ports in this state and international trade;

[(4) annually] prepare a list of projects that have been recommended by the committee, including:

(A) the recommended funding level for each project; and

(B) if staged implementation of the project is appropriate, the funding requirements for each stage; and

(4) [(5)] advise the commission and the department on matters relating to port authorities.

SECTION 4. Section 55.008(b), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) The committee shall update the port capital program [annually] and shall submit the capital program not later than February 1 of each odd-numbered year to the commission for distribution to:

(1) the governor;

(2) the lieutenant governor; and

(3) the speaker of the house of representatives[; and

[(4) the commission].

SECTION 5. Section 55.002(b), Transportation Code, is repealed.

SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.