BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1991

By: Bettencourt

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law is ambiguous regarding the methods by which certain water authority boards are to make disbursements. In addition, two board directors are required to physically sign disbursements, which some perceive to be unduly burdensome. S.B. 1991 seeks to clarify and simplify these processes by authorizing the board of directors of the North Harris County Regional Water Authority to determine the means of authorizing disbursements of the authority and providing for the authorization, rather than signing, of a disbursement.

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. 1991 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to require the board of directors of the North Harris County Regional Water Authority, by rule, to determine an efficient and effective means of authorizing disbursements of the authority, including by electronic means. The bill replaces the requirement for a disbursement of the authority to be signed by at least two directors with a requirement for such a disbursement to be authorized by at least two directors.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.