81R21244 SLB-D
By: Smith of Harris H.B. No. 3758
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the port authority advisory committee and funding of
port security, facility projects, and studies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 55.001(5), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(5) "Port security, transportation, or facility
project" means a project that is necessary or convenient for the
proper operation of a public maritime port and that will improve the
security, movement, and intermodal transportation of cargo or
passengers in commerce and trade.
SECTION 2. Section 55.006(a), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) The committee consists of seven members appointed by the
commission. The members shall be appointed as follows:
(1) one member from the Port of Houston Authority;
(2) three members who represent maritime ports on the
upper Texas coast; and
(3) three members who represent maritime ports on the
lower Texas coast.
SECTION 3. Section 55.007, Transportation Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 55.007. DUTIES OF COMMITTEE. The committee shall:
(1) prepare a port mission plan;
(2) review each project eligible to be funded under
this chapter and make recommendations for approval or disapproval
to the department;
(3) every two years [maintain trade data information
that will assist ports in this state and international trade;
[(4) annually] prepare a list of projects that have
been recommended by the committee, including:
(A) the recommended funding level for each
project; and
(B) if staged implementation of the project is
appropriate, the funding requirements for each stage; and
(4) [(5)] advise the commission and the department on
matters relating to port authorities.
SECTION 4. Section 55.008(b), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(b) The committee shall update the port capital program
[annually] and shall submit the capital program not later than
February 1 of each odd-numbered year to the commission for
distribution to:
(1) the governor;
(2) the lieutenant governor; and
(3) the speaker of the house of representatives[; and
[(4) the commission].
SECTION 5. Section 55.002(b), Transportation Code, is
repealed.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.