BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1959

By: Creighton

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding the ambiguity of state law governing planning and reporting requirements of the Port Authority Advisory Committee. It has been noted that the oversight of this advisory committee is similar in nature to the port capital program. There have been calls to clarify the relationship between these two entities and harmonize relevant reporting requirements. S.B. 1959 seeks to reduce ambiguity in state 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

S.B. 1959 amends the Transportation Code to clarify that the Port Authority Advisory Committee is required to prepare a two-year maritime port mission plan defining the goals and objectives of the committee concerning the development of maritime port facilities and an intermodal transportation system. The bill removes the requirement for the committee to prepare a report every two years on Texas maritime ports and changes the name of the maritime port capital program to the maritime port mission plan.

S.B. 1959 repeals Section 55.007(b), Transportation Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.