Texas Senate Bill SB2254

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the Needmore Ranch Municipal Utility District No. 1 and the territory of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.

Impact

If enacted, SB2254 will clarify the jurisdiction of the Needmore Ranch Municipal Utility District No. 1, ensuring that its legal framework aligns with both water conservation and municipal utility regulations. This clarification is crucial for maintaining effective management of resources, especially in water-scarce regions like Hays County. As groundwater conservation becomes increasingly significant in Texas, this bill aims to enhance the authority of local districts in managing their water resources competently while adhering to the state’s legal requirements.

Summary

Senate Bill 2254 relates to the powers and duties of the Needmore Ranch Municipal Utility District No. 1, as well as the jurisdiction of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. The bill amends specific sections of the Special District Local Laws Code, primarily focusing on clarifying the groundwater management responsibilities and powers of the municipal utility district in relation to state laws. This ensures that operations carried out by the utility district align with established state regulatory frameworks governing groundwater conservation.

Contention

While there were no explicit points of contention noted in the document provided, the potential for ambiguity in district powers could lead to disputes over jurisdiction between the different conservation districts and the municipal utility. It also remains to be seen how local stakeholders perceive changes to the boundaries and powers of these districts, particularly regarding existing laws governing groundwater usage and management may influence local regulations or the establishment of new ones.