BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2610
85R24065 TSR-D	By: Guillen (Lucio)
	Transportation
	5/15/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 2610 addresses a need for greater flexibility of leasing periods for Port Mansfield in Willacy County. Interested parties assert that, although a 50-year lease term may be appropriate for commercial investments, the 50-year maximum term may serve as a disincentive for potential homebuyers who would be seeking a residential lease.

In order to remove this disincentive, H.B. 2610 allows Port Mansfield in Willacy County to lease land for residential purposes up to 99 years, giving families more time and flexibility with their residential lease.

H.B. 2610 amends current law relating to the term for a lease of land owned by certain navigation districts.

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. Amends Section 60.039, Water Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c), as follows:

(a) Creates an exception under Subsection (c).

(c) Provides that this subsection applies only to a navigation district (district) that operates a port in this state that is wholly located in a county that borders the Gulf of Mexico and that is adjacent to a county that contains an international border and borders the Gulf of Mexico. Authorizes the district to lease the surface of land for not more than 99 years or to extend a lease to a period not to exceed 99 years only if certain conditions are met.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017. �