By: Estes S.B. No. 281
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the administration and powers of the Red River
Authority of Texas.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 279, Acts of the 56th Legislature,
Regular Session, 1959, is amended by adding Section 7A to read as
follows:
Sec. 7A. The Authority's Board of Directors or a Board
committee may hold a meeting by telephone conference call, by
videoconference call, or through communications over the Internet,
in accordance with procedures provided by Subchapter F, Chapter
551, Government Code, if holding the meeting in that way is
determined to be necessary or convenient by the Board president or
any three Board members.
SECTION 2. Section 19, Chapter 279, Acts of the 56th
Legislature, Regular Session, 1959, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 19. Said Authority shall have and may exercise such
functions, powers, authority, rights and duties as may permit the
accomplishment of the purposes for which it is created, including
investigating and planning, acquiring, constructing, maintaining
and operating of all necessary properties, lands, rights,
tenements, easements, improvements, reservoirs, dams, canals,
laterals, plants, works and facilities which it may deem necessary
or proper for the accomplishment of said purposes, including the
acquisition within and/or without said Authority of lands,
rights-of-way, groundwater and surface water rights and all other
properties, tenements, easements and all other rights incident,
helpful to, or in aid of carrying out the purposes of said Authority
as herein defined; provided, however, that said Authority shall not
engage in the generation or distribution of electric power except
as provided by Section 14b of this Act. The right of eminent domain
shall not be exercised or extend beyond the boundaries of this
District.
SECTION 3. Section 25, Chapter 279, Acts of the 56th
Legislature, Regular Session, 1959, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 25. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as
authorizing the Authority to acquire[, regulate or control in any
way] underground water or underground water rights by condemnation
[or purchase or otherwise or to develop, regulate or control the use
of underground water resources in any manner. This Act is intended
to govern and shall be construed to govern and apply to surface
water only].
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect January 1, 2014.