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TexasSB 240689th Legislature Regular SessionSenate

Relating to the Sabine River Authority of Texas, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; specifying term lengths and grounds for the removal of a member of the board of directors.

Sponsored By: César Blanco (Democratic), Stan Kitzman, Mayes Middleton (Republican), Tan Parker (Republican), Angela Paxton (Republican), Kevin Sparks (Republican)

Signed by Governor

SABINE RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXASGovernorSpecial Districts & Authorities--River AuthoritiesSpecial Districts & Authorities--Water & UtilitySunset--Commission BillsPUBLIC NOTICESTAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAININGSUNSET ADVISORY COMMISSION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Public gets complaint updates and speaking opportunities

The Sabine River Authority must maintain a system to handle complaints promptly and efficiently and make its complaint procedures available. Records must identify the parties, describe the complaint, and summarize review results and the final outcome. Parties must get updates until the complaint is resolved, unless notice would harm an investigation. The board must also adopt policies giving the public a reasonable chance to speak on matters within the authority’s role.

Sabine board must hire a manager

The Sabine River Authority board must employ a district manager; hiring one was previously optional. The board sets the manager’s pay. It must also adopt policies separating its policy-making role from the manager’s and employees’ management duties.

New leadership rules for Sabine directors

Beginning September 1, 2025, Sabine River Authority directors serve staggered four-year terms instead of six-year terms for successor appointments. The Governor chooses the board president, who serves at the Governor’s pleasure. Existing directors stay until successors are appointed and qualify. At the first meeting after that date, three directors draw lots to shorten terms originally ending July 6, 2031. Two terms end July 6, 2029, and one ends July 6, 2027. Directors face removal for failing to meet or keep qualifications, violating conflict-of-interest rules, or illness or disability preventing substantial service. Removal grounds also include missing more than half of eligible regular meetings in a calendar year without a board-approved excuse. The manager must report possible grounds to the president, who must notify the Governor and Texas Attorney General. If the president is involved, the next-highest-ranking director handles the notice.

Required training and travel repayment for directors

Sabine River Authority directors must complete training before voting, joining board discussions, or being counted as attending. Training covers authority operations, laws, budget, rulemaking limits, audits, public meetings, public records, administrative procedures, conflicts of interest, and ethics. The manager must distribute a training manual each year, and directors must confirm receipt and review. The transition allows directors to vote and count as present until December 1, 2025; afterward, training is required. Appointees are entitled to repayment of training travel costs, whether they attend before or after qualifying for office.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • César Blanco

    Democratic • Senate

  • Stan Kitzman

    House

  • Mayes Middleton

    Republican • Senate

  • Tan Parker

    Republican • Senate

  • Angela Paxton

    Republican • Senate

  • Kevin Sparks

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Charles Perry

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 338 • No: 8

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 5/24/2025

Record vote

Yes: 123 • No: 8

House vote • 5/23/2025

Record vote

Yes: 137 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Record vote

Yes: 30 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Record vote

Yes: 30 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Natural Resources

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Local Government

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    6/1/2025House

  4. Signed in the House

    6/1/2025House

  5. Signed in the Senate

    5/31/2025Senate

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/29/2025Senate

  7. Senate concurs in House amendment(s)-reported

    5/29/2025House

  8. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  9. Senate concurs in House amendment(s)

    5/28/2025Senate

  10. Read

    5/28/2025Senate

  11. House amendment(s) laid before the Senate

    5/28/2025Senate

  12. House passage as amended reported

    5/25/2025Senate

  13. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/24/2025House

  14. Record vote (RV#3443)

    5/24/2025House

  15. Passed

    5/24/2025House

  16. Read 3rd time

    5/24/2025House

  17. Passed to 3rd reading as amended

    5/23/2025House

  18. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/23/2025House

  19. Record vote (RV#3381)

    5/23/2025House

  20. Amended (1-Kitzman)

    5/23/2025House

  21. Read 2nd time

    5/23/2025House

  22. Placed on Major State Calendar

    5/23/2025House

  23. Considered in Calendars

    5/20/2025House

  24. Committee report sent to Calendars

    5/5/2025House

  25. Committee report distributed

    5/5/2025House

Bill Text

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