BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2970

By: Paul

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The 87th Texas Legislature established the Gulf Coast Protection District to collaborate with the federal government in constructing and operating essential components of the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study. The bill author has informed the committee that a key feature of this initiative is the storm surge protection through the Bolivar Roads Gate System, designed to shield the entirety of Galveston Bay from devastating storm surges, thereby protecting Port Houston, one of the largest and busiest ports in the United States. The bill author has further informed the committee that protecting Port Houston and other critical ports within Galveston Bay is vital not only for safeguarding infrastructure against storm surges but also for ensuring vessels can safely navigate the shipping channels, thus maintaining economic stability and maritime safety. H.B. 2970 seeks to address this issue by prohibiting the implementation of a project by the Gulf Coast Protection District from disrupting two-way traffic or navigation safety relating to the ports of Harris County.

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. 2970 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to prohibit the implementation of a statutorily authorized project by the Gulf Coast Protection District from disrupting navigation safety or two-way traffic, as defined by the Houston Pilots Licensing and Regulatory Act, in a manner that violates a rule adopted by the board of pilot commissioners for the ports of Harris County under that act.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.