H.B. No. 5669 proposes a rebranding of the Sabine Pass Port Authority to the "Port of Sabine Pass" and introduces significant changes to its governance and operational structure. The bill extends the term lengths for commissioners from two years to four years, with elections scheduled for uniform dates in May of even-numbered years. It also clarifies definitions related to the port and establishes that the port serves a public use and benefit, ensuring that all land and property within its jurisdiction will benefit from its improvements and services. Additionally, the bill expands the authority's powers, allowing it to issue bonds for corporate purposes and engage in economic development activities, while prohibiting the issuance of bonds payable from ad valorem taxes for projects authorized under the new provisions.

The bill further amends various sections of the Special District Local Laws Code to update bond issuance procedures, replacing "Authority" with "port" in several instances and clarifying that bonds must be issued in the port's name. It outlines the terms of bond issuance, allowing for sales for cash or property exchanges, and specifies that proceeds must be deposited in designated banks or trust companies. The Port of Sabine Pass is mandated to hold an election in May 2026 to elect five new commissioners, with current commissioners' terms expiring upon the qualification of the newly elected officials. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0001, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0051, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0055, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0056, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0057, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0058, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0105, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0109, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0110, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0152, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0153, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0154, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0201, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0206, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0207 (Special District Local Laws Code 5012)
House Committee Report: Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0001, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0051, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0055, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0056, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0057, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0058, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0105, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0109, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0110, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0152, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0153, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0154, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0201, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0206, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0207 (Special District Local Laws Code 5012)
Engrossed: Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0001, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0051, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0055, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0056, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0057, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0058, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0105, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0109, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0110, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0152, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0153, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0154, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0201, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0206, Special District Local Laws Code 5012.0207 (Special District Local Laws Code 5012)