BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

C.S.H.B. 3027

By: Phelan

Government Transparency & Operation

Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Interested parties assert the importance of transparency and public input in the regional water planning process. C.S.H.B. 3027 seeks to provide such transparency and input by subjecting each regional water planning group and any committee or subcommittee of such a group to state open meetings law and state public information law.

 

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

 

C.S.H.B. 3027 amends the Water Code to subject each regional water planning group and any committee or subcommittee of a regional water planning group to state open meetings law and state public information law.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2017.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

 

While C.S.H.B. 3027 may differ from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following comparison is organized and formatted in a manner that indicates the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.

 

INTRODUCED

HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

SECTION 1.  Section 16.053(h), Water Code, is amended by amending Subdivision (2) and adding Subdivision (12) to read as follows:

(2)  The regional water planning group shall provide an ongoing opportunity for public participation [input] during the preparation of the regional water plan.

(12)  Each regional water planning group and any committee of a regional water planning group are subject to Chapters 551 and 552, Government Code.

 

SECTION 1.  Section 16.053(h), Water Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (12) to read as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

(12)  Each regional water planning group and any committee or subcommittee of a regional water planning group are subject to Chapters 551 and 552, Government Code.

 

SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.

 

SECTION 2. Same as introduced version.