H.B. No. 4148 proposes amendments to the management and taxation of navigation districts and certain port and harbor facilities in Texas. The bill introduces new provisions for electronic storage of local government records, allowing navigation districts and port authorities to establish alternative standards and procedures for record retention and management. It specifies that these standards must not shorten retention periods mandated by state or federal laws. Additionally, the bill allows port commissions to conduct closed meetings without the requirement to record proceedings related to security measures, including cybersecurity.

The bill also increases the threshold for routine purchases or contracts by port commissions from $100,000 to $500,000, while maintaining a lower limit of $50,000 for certain authorized individuals. It clarifies the definition of "governmental entity" to exclude navigation districts and port authorities, and it expands the definition of "navigation-related commerce" to include various activities, such as operating cruise ship terminals and managing infrastructure connected to public docks. The changes aim to streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of navigation districts and port authorities, with the act set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 60.403, Transportation Code 54.054, Tax Code 25.07 (Water Code 60, Tax Code 25, Transportation Code 54)