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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Garcia DATE TYPED: 02/14/01 HB
SHORT TITLE: Prohibit Utility Service Area Encroachment SB 177
ANALYST: Dotson


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
None None



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



SB 177 outlines the protections granted to an association of it's service area as long as the association remains indebted to the state.



Significant Issues



This bill promotes indebtedness to state agencies and financial programs. Holding service areas should be based on service provided at competitive rates. This bill would curtail competition in service areas and possibly allow poorly performing utilities to continue to operate only due to their obligations to the state.



POSSIBLE QUESTIONS



What prevents a utility from seeking loans from a state agency for the sole purpose of protecting it's service area?



PD/nw