BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2252

By: Faircloth

Land & Resource Management

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that the Texas Gulf Coast, which is a vital part of the state's economy, remains vulnerable to hurricanes and other damaging weather events. H.B. 2252 seeks to address this issue by providing for the continuation of the study of the feasibility and desirability of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 2252 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 Texas that includes a series of gates and barriers to prevent storm surge damage to gulf beaches or coastal ports, industry, or property. The bill provides for the composition of the committee and 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. The bill authorizes the committee to adopt rules necessary to carry out the committee's duties. The bill 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. The committee is abolished and the bill's provisions expire January 7, 2019.

H.B. 2252 repeals Chapter 194 (S.B. 695), Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.