BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2100
85R15498 SLB-D	By: Garcia
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	3/31/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 2100 would provide the Legislature a clear understanding of how fees impact the budget of the Railroad Commission of Texas (railroad commission). Since 2011, the railroad commission has operated primarily as a fee-based agency, but the railroad commission has expressed that the fees and fines assessed fail to fully fund the work of the railroad commission. The railroad commission has also made it clear that the number of fees assessed and the cost to administer programs connected to certain fees has changed in recent years. Therefore, the legislature is making appropriations decisions to close the funding gap for the railroad commission without a complete picture. S.B. 2100 orders a study to be completed by the railroad commission to understand the actual cost to the railroad commission for programs associated with the fees it charges. The study will include recommendations for changes in the fee structure to cover the cost of railroad commission programs associated with fees. There is no known opposition to the bill.

As proposed, S.B. 2100 amends current law relating to a study of the fees charged by the Railroad Commission of Texas.

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. DEFINITION. Defines "commission" as the Railroad Commission of Texas (railroad commission).

SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) Requires the railroad commission to conduct a study to evaluate the railroad commission's ability to fund its operations using fees.

(b) Requires the railroad commission, in conducting the study under Subsection (a), to identify and evaluate the fees charged by the railroad commission, identify and evaluate the costs to the railroad commission associated with administration of permits and other program for which the railroad commission charges fees, recommend any appropriate changes to the fee structure so that fees charged by the railroad commission are sufficient to fund the administration of the program the fees are associated with, and evaluate the effects of any recommended changes on the railroad commission's budget.

SECTION 3. REPORT. Requires the railroad commission, not later than September 1, 2018, to submit to the legislature a written report containing the findings of the study conducted under this Act and the railroad commission's recommendation for any legislation resulting from the study.

SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. Provides that this Act expires September 1, 2019.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.