HBA-RBT S.B. 392 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 392 By: Brown (Bonnen) Natural Resources 3/15/1999 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, Texas law requires the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) to approve certain actions by navigation districts to issue bonds supported by taxes. Larger navigation districts are exempt from this provision, but smaller ports, including the Port of Beaumont and Port of Freeport, have had to undergo the extra step of obtaining TNRCC approval before proceeding with the issuance of tax-supported bonds. S.B. 392 repeals the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission's authority to approve the issuance of tax-supported bonds by navigation districts. 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. Repealer: Section 60.350, Water Code (which requires Sections 49.181 (Authority of Commission Over Issuance of District Bonds) and 49.183 (Bond Sales), Water Code, as they relate to the authority of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission over the issuance of district bonds, to apply to bonds supported and issued by districts governed by this chapter). SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.