BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.J.R. 4
86R10429 SLB-D	By: Phelan et al. (Creighton)
	Water & Rural Affairs
	5/11/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.J.R. 4 proposes a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the flood infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects.

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 Article III, Texas Constitution, by adding Section 49-d-14, as follows:

Sec. 49-d-14. (a) Provides that the flood infrastructure fund is created as a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund.

(b) Authorizes money in the flood infrastructure fund, as provided by general law, to be administered and used, without further appropriation, by the Texas Water Development Board or that board's successor in function to provide financing for a drainage, flood mitigation, or flood control project, including:

(1) planning and design activities;

(2) work to obtain regulatory approval to provide nonstructural and structural flood mitigation and drainage; or

(3) construction of structural flood mitigation and drainage infrastructure.

(c) Authorizes separate accounts to be established in the flood infrastructure fund as necessary to administer the fund or authorized projects.

SECTION 2. Requires that the proposed constitutional amendment be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 5, 2019. Sets forth the required language of the ballot.