BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4166

By: VanDeaver

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been calls to increase navigation between certain cities located along the Red River. Furthermore, a recent report indicates that expanding navigation in these areas would be a cost‑effective investment. H.B. 4166 seeks to address this issue by providing for a study of the feasibility of this expansion.   

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. 4166 requires the Red River Authority of Texas to study the feasibility of increasing navigation on the Red River between Texarkana and Denison by completing the navigation system of locks and dams or other means. The bill requires the authority to submit to the standing committees of the legislature having jurisdiction over navigation, not later than January 1, 2021, a report on the findings of the study. The bill's provisions expire January 2, 2021.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.