BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1745
89R8869 JTZ-F	By: Creighton
	Transportation
	3/20/2025
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 1745 aims to update and modernize the sanctuary language governing the Cedar Port Navigation and Improvement District. It aligns the district's rights with other navigation districts under Chapter 60 of the Texas Water Code. This update is crucial for the district to qualify as a non-federal sponsor to secure congressional authorization for the Cedar Port Channel Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement, supporting a major infrastructure project.

Overall, S.B. 1745 will modernize the Cedar Port District's governing laws, expand its operational powers, and enhance its role in advancing infrastructure improvements that are vital to economic growth.

As proposed, S.B. 1745 amends current law relating to the name, rights, powers, and privileges of the Cedar Port Navigation and Improvement District.

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. Amends the heading to Chapter 3854, Special District Local Laws Code, as follows:

CHAPTER 3854. CEDAR PORT NAVIGATION AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

SECTION 2. Amends Section 3854.001(3), Special District Local Laws Code, to redefine "district."

SECTION 3. Amends Section 3854.002, Special District Local Laws Code, to redesignate the "Chambers County Improvement District No. 1" as the "Cedar Port Navigation and Improvement District" (district).

SECTION 4. Amends Section 3854.151, Special District Local Laws Code, as follows:

Sec. 3854.151. GENERAL POWERS (a) Creates this subsection from existing text. Provides that the district has:

(1) all the rights, powers, and privileges conferred by the general law of this state applicable to districts created under certain chapters, including Chapter 49 (Provisions Applicable to All Districts), Water Code;

(2) the rights, powers, and privileges granted to districts by Chapter 60 (Navigation Districts--General Provisions), Water Code, rather than Subchapters E (Powers of Districts for Improvement of Port Facilities) and M (Tax Bonds, Revenue Bonds, And Combination Tax and Revenue Bonds), Chapter 60, Water Code, and by Sections 61.116 (Lease of State Owned Lands and Flats) and 62.118 (Cooperation With United States), Water Code, rather than Section 61.116, Water Code; and

(3) makes no changes to this subdivision;

(b) Provides that Section 60.033 (Use of Equipment), Water Code, does not apply to the district.

SECTION 5. Amends Section 3854.153, Special District Local Laws Code, to authorize the district to acquire any interest in land in accordance with Chapter 49, 54, or 60, Water Code. Makes a nonsubstantive change.

SECTION 6. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and laws of this state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and accomplished.

SECTION 7. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.