BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2252
85R11794 JAM-D	By: Faircloth et al. (Taylor, Larry)
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	5/12/2017
	Engrossed

 

 

 

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. S.B. 695, 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015, 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 85th session. Academics, business leaders, local officials, and coastal residents shared their experiences and thoughts on various coastal protection concepts.

 

H.B. 2252 continues the Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System through the following interim.

 

H.B. 2252 amends current law relating to the feasibility 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 (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) Sets forth the composition of the committee.

 

(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, not later than December 1, 2018, to report to the governor and the legislature the findings of the study and any recommendations developed by the committee under this section.

 

(f) Provides that the committee is abolished and this Act expires January 7, 2019.

 

SECTION 2. Repealer: Chapter 194 (Study of the Feasibility and Desirability of Creating and Maintaining a Coastal Barrier System) (S.B. 695), Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2017.