H.B. No. 1520 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to enhance the governance of the Angelina and Neches River Authority, following recommendations from the Sunset Advisory Commission. Key changes include extending the authority's review period under the Texas Sunset Act to September 1, 2037, and introducing a mandatory training program for newly appointed board members. This training must cover various aspects of authority operations, legal requirements, and ethics policies, and members will not be allowed to vote or participate in meetings until they complete this training. Additionally, the bill establishes specific grounds for the removal of board members, including failure to maintain qualifications, violation of local government laws, and excessive absences from meetings.

Other amendments include changing the term length for directors from six years to four years, with staggered terms, and clarifying the roles of the board president and vice president. The bill also mandates the development of policies for public testimony and the separation of policy-making and management functions. Furthermore, it requires the authority to maintain a complaint system to address public grievances efficiently. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025, and existing board members will continue in their roles until their successors are appointed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Special District Local Laws Code 8501.0015, Special District Local Laws Code 8501.107 (Special District Local Laws Code 8501)
House Committee Report: Special District Local Laws Code 8501.0015, Special District Local Laws Code 8501.102, Special District Local Laws Code 8501.107 (Special District Local Laws Code 8501)
Engrossed: Special District Local Laws Code 8501.0015, Special District Local Laws Code 8501.102, Special District Local Laws Code 8501.107 (Special District Local Laws Code 8501)
Senate Committee Report: Special District Local Laws Code 8501.0015, Special District Local Laws Code 8501.102, Special District Local Laws Code 8501.107 (Special District Local Laws Code 8501)
Enrolled: Special District Local Laws Code 8501.0015, Special District Local Laws Code 8501.102, Special District Local Laws Code 8501.107 (Special District Local Laws Code 8501)