H.B. No. 2970 amends the management and operation of the Gulf Coast Protection District by modifying the appointment process for the presiding officer. The bill stipulates that the governor shall appoint a presiding officer from among the directors, who will serve a two-year term, with a limit of two consecutive terms. This change replaces the previous provision that allowed the board to elect the presiding officer. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement regarding project implementation under Section 9502.0301. It states that implementation of a project may not disrupt navigation safety or two-way traffic, as defined by Section 66.0172 of the Transportation Code, in a manner that violates rules adopted by the board of pilot commissioners for the ports of Harris County. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Special District Local Laws Code 9502.0301 (Special District Local Laws Code 9502)
House Committee Report: Special District Local Laws Code 9502.0301 (Special District Local Laws Code 9502)
Engrossed: Special District Local Laws Code 9502.0301 (Special District Local Laws Code 9502)
Senate Committee Report: Special District Local Laws Code 9502.0201, Special District Local Laws Code 9502.0301 (Special District Local Laws Code 9502)
Enrolled: Special District Local Laws Code 9502.0201, Special District Local Laws Code 9502.0301 (Special District Local Laws Code 9502)