Texas Senate Bill SB1023

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of a governmental entity to impose a regulation governing the use of building products, materials, or methods that relates to water conservation.

Impact

The introduction of SB1023 is expected to have a notable impact on state law, particularly in the areas of environmental protection and local governance. By defining the parameters under which local entities can impose regulations concerning building materials related to water conservation, the bill aims to streamline regulations and promote consistency across different jurisdictions. This reform is anticipated to lead to enhanced cooperation between state entities and local governments, potentially enabling more robust water conservation efforts.

Summary

SB1023 seeks to regulate the authority of governmental entities concerning the use of building products, materials, or methods specifically relating to water conservation. This bill emphasizes the significance of water conservation within the construction industry and aims to promote practices that support sustainable development. The underlying goal is to create a framework that encourages the use of water-efficient products while providing guidance on how local governments can implement regulations to achieve these ends.

Contention

A key point of contention regarding SB1023 arises from the balance of power between state authority and local control. Proponents of the bill argue that it provides necessary guidance and clarity to local governments, fostering a unified approach to water conservation. However, opponents may raise concerns about the bill potentially limiting localities’ ability to create tailored regulations that respond to specific needs and conditions in their communities. This tension highlights the ongoing debate about the extent to which state legislation should intervene in local governance, particularly in matters related to environmental and resource management.