81R10531 NC-F By: Smith of Harris H.B. No. 4209 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the regulation of certain barge terminal facilities by certain municipalities. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 212, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Section 212.905 to read as follows: Sec. 212.905. BARGE TERMINAL FACILITIES IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES. (a) This section applies only to a municipality that: (1) has a population of 65,000 or more; (2) is located in a county with a population of 3.3 million or more; and (3) is adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico or an adjacent bay of the Gulf of Mexico. (b) Notwithstanding any other law, a municipality may prohibit the development of a private or commercial barge terminal or barge terminal facility at a distance of 500 feet or less from a municipal park or public boat ramp in the boundaries or the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality if: (1) the municipality has publicly opposed the development of the proposed barge terminal or facility; (2) the proposed barge terminal or facility has not received all of the permits necessary for the construction and operation of the terminal or facility; and (3) the construction of the proposed barge terminal or facility has not been completed as required by the necessary permits. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.