HBA-MPA S.B. 201 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 201 By: Truan Transportation 5/5/1999 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, navigation districts and ports do not have the express authority to contract with individuals of foreign nations to further trade and commerce between foreign nations and the state. S.B. 201 grants navigation districts the ability to contract with any person, foreign or domestic, necessary or convenient to the operation of development of the district's ports and waterways. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 60, Water Code, by adding Section 60.003, as follows: Sec. 60.003. AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT FOR THE OPERATION OR DEVELOPMENT OF A DISTRICT. Authorizes a navigation district to contract with any person, foreign or domestic, necessary or convenient to the operation or development of the district's ports and waterways. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.