BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1251

By: Deshotel

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The election for the board of Port Commissioners of the Port of Port Arthur Navigation District of Jefferson County is held on the first Saturday of May in each odd- numbered year in a staggered four-year term.  Ports in surrounding areas currently serve six year terms.  Lengthening the term of service creates a stable environment by allowing the elected officials to gain more experience in governance and time for projects to be completed.

H.B. 1251 would change the terms and election date of the commissioners.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1251 amends Sections 9(a) and (c), Chapter 197, Acts of the 58th Legislature, Regular Session, 1963, to require the election of the members of the Board of Port Commissioners of the Port of Port Arthur Navigation District of Jefferson County to be for the election of the appropriate number of port commissioners as required to maintain a full board, rather than for the election of five port commissioners.  The bill requires the election to be held on the uniform election date in May in each odd-numbered year, rather than on the first Saturday of May in such a year.  The bill establishes that commissioners serve staggered six-year terms, rather than staggered four year terms with certain exceptions, beginning with the terms of port commissioners elected at the election held in 2013.  The bill requires a port commissioner who on the effective date of the bill serves on the board to continue in office until a successor is elected and qualified.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2011.