Bill

SB 627

86(R) - 2019
Senate Water & Rural Affairs
House Natural Resources
Senate Water & Rural Affairs
House Natural Resources
Sunset Commission

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Brian Birdwell
Dawn Buckingham
Bob Hall
Robert Nichols
Kirk Watson

Sponsor(s)

Poncho Nevarez

Bill Caption

Relating to the Red River Authority, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 627 is the sunset review bill for the Red River Authority. The bill extends the authority's operations to 2031 and institutes a host of recommendations from the Sunset Commission, including changes to required training.

The bill would add a number of grounds for removal from the board and update certain processes related to removing a board member. 

A person appointed to the board would be entitled to reimbursement of travel expenses to certain required training. 

The bill would stipulate that the governor-appointed presiding officer serves at the pleasure of the governor, meaning the presiding officer could be removed from that position at any time by the governor at the governor's discretion. 

The bill repeals a provision which allows a member of the board of directors to be employed as general manager. 

The board would be required to make implement policies that "clearly separate the policymaking responsibilities of the Board and the management responsibilities of the general manager and staff of the Authority"

Other administrative and procedural updates would be made. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on SB 627 as it does not affect our liberty principles.