Senate Committee on International Relations & Trade
March 7, 2011
Compiled by: James Laughlin & Gretchen Ellison
SB 508 – Relating to the extent of extraterritorial jurisdiction of certain less populous municipalities located on a barrier island.
Chairman Lucio presented the bill. In 2007 the 80th Legislature unanimously passed HB 3325, granting the town of South Padre Island an extra five-mile territorial jurisdiction. Being in a barrier island, it is in an environmentally sensitive part of the state. The extended jurisdiction has allowed the town greater ability to protect the dune and beach system of South Padre Island and to enhance development opportunities that take advantage of the natural resources of the island. There is concern, however, that the changes made in 2007 may have removed South Padre’s half-mile extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) into the waters of the Laguna Madre Bay, meaning the town has difficulty enforcing ordinances regarding shoreline and boating safety.
Cobby Caputo, General Counsel, City of South Padre Island testified in favor of the bill. Caputo discussed the ambiguity present in SB 508 as to whether or not South Padre has the half-mile ETJ into the water. He indicated the City wants only the half-mile ETJ, which is nothing more than any other coastal city, and to retain the 5 miles on the island.
Courtney Hayden, City of South Padre Island Councilwoman, testified in favor of the bill. Hayden explained that South Padre has an environmental interest in SB 508 to ensure the protection of dunes, wildlife and sea grasses offshore. South Padre also has an interest in public safety in relation to poorly managed watercraft and its effect on the shoreline, which would be protected by the half-mile ETJ.
SB 508 was favorably reported to the full Senate.
SCR 5 – Requesting the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house to provide for a joint legislative study regarding the development and economic impact of a cruise industry on the Texas coast.
Senator Juan Hinojosa presented the resolution. SCR 5 was created to encourage spending money in the coast of Texas. Hinojosa gave a history of the cruise ship industry. According to research, the cruise ship industry is growing rapidly; since 1990 there has been a 7.2% growth and in the last 10 years there have been 176 million passengers aboard cruise ships in the gulf area. It has been estimated that over 15 million Americans will take cruise ships for short vacations over the next 10 years. The study requested would show the need to support the cruise ship industry in the Texas coastal area and provide a marketing strategy to begin the process. Hinojosa stated that growth in the cruise ship industry would create jobs and increase economic growth in Texas.
Courtney Hayden, City of South Padre Island Councilwoman, testified in favor of the bill. She feels developing the cruise ship industry would add seasons to the business environment as spring and fall are generally slow periods economically for the city. Not only would a cruise industry increase revenue to South Padre, but also bring tax dollars to Texas.
JoAnn Evans, Mayor Pro-tem, City of South Padre Island, testified in favor of SCR 5 and feels that the study would serve as an economic development tool. She explained Texas only has one port on its long coastline capable of supporting cruise ships, which she feels is a missed opportunity for the state.
SCR 5 was favorably recommended to the full Senate and recommended for placement on the local and uncontested calendar.
SB 509 – Relating to the validation of a home-rule charter for certain municipalities.
Cobby Caputo, General Counsel, City of South Padre Island, testified in favor of SB 509. Caputo explained South Padre is worried it will be unable to fight the growing number of cases.
JoAnn Evans, Mayor Pro-tem, City of South Padre Island testified in favor of SB 509. Evans feels the bill will provide a mechanism for avoiding frivolous lawsuits and protect the will of the people.
SB 509 was reported favorably to full Senate and recommended for placement on the local and uncontested calendar.
