Opinion ID: 1723051
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: CEDs' successors-in-interest

Text: Finally, the Somerset districts assert that the Commissioner's rule is invalid insofar as it required the governing board of each CED to designate a successor-in-interest. Noting that section 4.15 of Senate Bill 7 does not mention any successor-in-interest, the Somerset districts argue that the Commissioner's rule is invalid because it imposes additional burdens, conditions, or restrictions in excess of the statute. See generally Kelly v. Industrial Accident Bd., 358 S.W.2d 874, 876-77 (Tex.Civ.App.Austin 1962, writ ref'd). In deciding whether an administrative agency has exceeded its rulemaking powers, the determinative factor is whether the rule's provisions are in harmony with the general objectives of the act involved. Gerst v. Oak Cliff Sav. & Loan Ass'n, 432 S.W.2d 702, 706 (Tex.1968). The designation of successors-in-interest promotes the orderly winding-up of CEDs, as well as the other goals of Senate Bill 7, by allowing the State's interests to be protected after the CEDs are abolished. We hold, therefore, that the Commissioner did not exceed his rulemaking powers by enacting the rule.