83R13126 JXC-D By: Taylor S.B. No. 1733 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a study regarding the creation of dunes on the gulf coast for storm surge protection. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "office" means the General Land Office. SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) The office shall conduct a study regarding: (1) the authority of federal, state, and local governmental entities to create a line of dunes on privately and publicly owned portions of the Gulf Coast to protect gulf beaches from storm surge damage; (2) the effect of state statutes, rules, and court decisions on the ability of governmental entities and owners of beachfront property to protect gulf beaches from storm surge damage; (3) financial resources available to support the creation of storm surge dunes; (4) the costs and benefits of creating storm surge dunes; and (5) the costs and benefits of the granting by owners of beachfront property to governmental entities of easements for the creation of storm surge dunes. (b) The office may contract with any appropriate person to assist the office in conducting the study under this section. SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than December 31, 2014, the office shall report the results of the study conducted under this Act to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the standing committees in the senate and the house of representatives that have primary jurisdiction over natural resources. The report may include the office's recommendations for legislation to address any areas of concern. SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires August 31, 2015. SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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, 2013.