Texas Senate Bill SB700

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to retail public utilities that provide water or sewer service.

Impact

This bill modifies existing provisions in the Water Code, enhancing the utility commission's authority to issue emergency orders for utilities failing to provide adequate services. Specifically, it allows for expedited processes to temporarily connect neighboring utilities in emergencies and to dictate necessary actions to maintain environmental protection and safe drinking water standards. This shift is intended to improve responsiveness and modernize regulatory processes for handling utility services.

Summary

Senate Bill 700 focuses on the regulation of retail public utilities providing water and sewer services in Texas. It establishes guidelines for different classes of utilities based on the number of taps or connections, defining Class B, C, and D utilities to streamline the process for rate adjustments and necessary applications for service changes. The bill aims to ensure that regional utilities can comply with state regulations while maintaining the integrity and quality of services they provide to their customers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 700 appears to be largely positive, especially among lawmakers who advocate for improved regulatory frameworks supporting local utilities. Supporters argue that the bill promotes flexibility and efficiency in managing utilities, especially in times of crisis. However, concerns were raised by some stakeholders about the adequacy of protections for consumers, suggesting a need for careful monitoring of rate adjustments and utility operations to prevent any potential overreach or detrimental impacts on service quality.

Contention

While the bill is intended to create a more manageable regulatory environment for utilities, points of contention revolve around the balance of authority between state oversight and local utility operations. Critics caution that increased powers for the utility commission could lead to less local input in utility management decisions and service provisions, raising concerns about how that might affect rates and service quality in underserved or economically disadvantaged areas.