BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1949

By: Smith

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In 2013, H.B. 3212 reestablished the Red River Boundary Commission to work with the representatives appointed on behalf of Oklahoma to redraw the Texas-Oklahoma boundary in accordance with the Red River Boundary Compact, with the intention of negating any effect the boundary has on Texas real property interests in the Texoma area. Constituents and members of the commission recently raised the issue of the commission's expiration. Originally, the commission was set to expire in 2015 but was extended in 2015, 2017, and again in 2021. H.B. 1949 seeks to continue the Red River Boundary Commission until December 31, 2027.

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. 1949 amends the Natural Resources Code to continue until December 31, 2027, the Red River Boundary Commission, which was established to oversee the redrawing of the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma in the Texoma area. The bill extends the deadline for the commission to issue its final report to certain state officials and legislative committees from July 30, 2023, to July 30, 2027. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.