Relating to rainwater harvesting and other water conservation initiatives.
Impact
If enacted, HB1818 will significantly influence local and state government policies regarding water resource management. By prescribing standards for rainwater collection in state construction projects, the bill encourages municipalities and counties to adopt similar practices. The Texas Water Development Board is charged with facilitating training for local government staff on implementing these measures, ensuring a more uniform approach to water conservation across the state.
Summary
House Bill 1818 aims to enhance water conservation efforts in Texas through the promotion of rainwater harvesting and other conservation initiatives. The bill mandates that new state buildings, particularly those with large roof areas, incorporate rainwater harvesting technologies for nonpotable indoor use and landscaping. This legislation is part of broader efforts to optimize the use of the state's water resources amid growing concerns about water scarcity.
Contention
Despite its positive aims, the bill has faced some contention. While proponents argue that embracing rainwater harvesting will lead to more sustainable water usage, critics raise concerns about the feasibility of implementing these systems in all sectors, especially in regions with lower rainfall averages. Additionally, there is apprehension over the capacity of local authorities to monitor and enforce compliance with these new standards, along with the potential financial implications for smaller municipalities in adjusting to these requirements.
Enabling for
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature by general law to exempt from ad valorem taxes the portion of the assessed value of property attributable to the implementation on the property of a water conservation initiative, desalination project, or brush control initiative.
Relating to the authority of a municipality, county, or property owners' association to prohibit or regulate certain activities on residence homestead property.
Relating to the authority of a municipality, county, or property owners' association to prohibit or regulate certain activities on residence homestead property.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the commissioners court of a county to exempt from ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision that taxes the property the portion of the assessed value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of a rainwater harvesting or graywater system.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the commissioners court of a county to exempt from ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision that taxes the property the portion of the assessed value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of a rainwater harvesting or graywater system.
Relating to the procurement by local governments of energy savings performance contracts for certain conservation measures; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a fee.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to define certain terms for purposes of the exemption from ad valorem taxation of farm products in the hands of a producer and to authorize the commissioners court of a county to exempt from ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision that taxes the property the portion of the assessed value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of a rainwater harvesting or graywater system.