BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1266
87R9301 JAM-D	By: Taylor
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	4/12/2021
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Texas Gulf Coast is a vital part of Texas' vibrant economy. Its location, however, leaves the region and its residents vulnerable to hurricanes and other damaging weather events. The Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System was created in 2013 to study the logistics of constructing a coastal barrier protection system. The committee has provided a forum to discuss this complex issue and gather information. Renewal of this committee will allow stakeholders to continue this discussion as the projects approach implementation.

S.B. 1266 continues the Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System through the following interim.

As proposed, S.B. 1266 amends current law relating to the feasibility of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system.

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. (a) Requires the legislature to establish a joint interim committee to continue to study the implementation of a coastal barrier system in this state that includes a series of gates and barriers to prevent storm surge damage to gulf beaches or coastal ports, industry, or property.

(b)� Provides that the committee is composed of:

(1)� the members of the standing committee of the Texas Senate (senate) that has primary jurisdiction over natural resources;

(2)� the members of the standing committee of the Texas House of Representatives (house) that has primary jurisdiction over land and resource management;

(3)� two members of the senate appointed by the lieutenant governor, each of whom represents a district in a county that borders the Gulf of Mexico; and

(4)� two members of the house appointed by the speaker of the house, each of whom represents a district in a county that borders the Gulf of Mexico.

(c)� Requires the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house to jointly designate a chair or, alternatively, designate two co-chairs from among the committee membership.

(d)� Authorizes the committee to adopt rules necessary to carry out the committee's duties under this section.

(e)� Requires the committee, not later than December 1, 2022, to report to the governor and the legislature the findings of the study and any recommendations developed by the committee under this section.

(f)� Provides that the committee is abolished and this Act expires January 9, 2023.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2021.