BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4666

By: Deshotel

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been calls to modernize state law governing the Port of Beaumont Navigation District of Jefferson County, Texas. H.B. 4666 seeks to modernize the enabling legislation of the port district.

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. 4666 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to update and establish provisions relating to the Port of Beaumont Navigation District of Jefferson County, Texas. The bill sets out certain legislative findings and the nature and purpose of the district and provides for the liberal construction of its provisions. The bill sets out provisions relating to the district board of commissioners and the district's boundaries. The bill grants the district all applicable powers, rights, privileges, and functions conferred by general law appropriate to the accomplishment of the purposes of the bill's provisions and provides for specific limitations of the district's powers. The bill sets out powers of the district regarding wharfage, charges, and rates for district facilities. The bill authorizes the district to adopt bylaws and rules for the management and regulation of the district's affairs. The bill sets out provisions relating to the finances of the district and authorizes the district, subject to certain requirements, to borrow money, issue obligations, and impose property and other taxes. The bill grants the district the power of eminent domain.

H.B. 4666 repeals the following provisions of Chapter 147, Acts of the 51st Legislature, Regular Session, 1949:

· Sections 1B, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.