AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Texas Gulf Coast is a vital part of Texas' vibrant economy. Its location however, leaves the region and its people vulnerable to hurricanes and other damaging weather events. H.B. 3459, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, instructed the legislature to establish a joint committee to study the desirability and feasibility of constructing a coastal barrier protection system. The Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System provided a forum to discuss this complex issue and gather information for the 84th session. Academics, business leaders, local officials, and coastal residents shared their experiences and thoughts on various coastal protection concepts.
S.B. 695 continues the Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System through the following interim.
S.B. 695 amends current law relating to a study of the feasibility and desirability of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system.
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. (a) Requires the legislature to establish a joint interim committee to continue to study the feasibility and desirability of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system in this state that includes a series of gates and barriers to prevent storm surge damage to gulf beaches or coastal ports, industry, or property.
(b) Provides that the committee is composed of:
(1) the members of the standing committee of the senate that has primary jurisdiction over natural resources;
(2) the members of the standing committee of the house of representatives that has primary jurisdiction over land and resource management;
(3) two members of the senate appointed by the lieutenant governor, each of whom represents a district in a county that borders the Gulf of Mexico; and
(4) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, each of whom represents a district in a county that borders the Gulf of Mexico.
(c) Requires the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives to jointly designate a chair or, alternatively, designate two co-chairs from among the committee membership.
(d) Authorizes the committee to adopt rules necessary to carry out the committee's duties under this section.
(e) Requires the committee to report to the governor and the legislature the findings of the study and any recommendations developed by the committee under this section not later than December 1, 2016.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2015.