BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2004

By: Bonnen

Corrections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Petrochemical manufacturing in the Brazosport area of Brazoria County employs thousands of Texans.  A continuous and economical supply of freshwater is critical to the viability of the petrochemical manufacturing and freshwater shortages in the area are increasing. The lack of sufficient freshwater supply could result in reduced manufacturing, costing thousands of jobs in the short term and could potentially reduce the viability of the area for future investments.

Although measures such as water conservation, reuse, protection of water rights, and a salt water barrier are being pursued, some believe the most significant tactic to ensure uninterrupted supply of freshwater is the construction of an additional reservoir that would draw water from the Brazos River.  The reservoir would optimize water capture at the area's major petrochemical manufacturer's intake location and store it for use when water is not as readily available in the area.  H.B. 2004 attempts to resolve this issue by requiring the sale of certain state property in Brazoria County.

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. 2004 requires the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, not later than December 31, 2011, to sell the real property in Brazoria described in the bill's provisions. The bill requires the board to sell the property as provided by statutory provisions governing the sale of Texas Department of Criminal Justice real property. The bill requires the General Land Office to negotiate and close a transaction involving the real property on behalf of the board using the procedures under statutory provisions governing real estate transactions authorized by the legislature.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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