Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1615

Filed

3/13/25

Out of House Committee

4/29/25

Voted on by House

5/7/25

Out of Senate Committee

5/12/25

Voted on by Senate

5/14/25

Governor Action

5/28/25

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain local laws concerning water and wastewater special districts, including a conforming amendment.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1615 is expected to streamline the governance of water and wastewater management by special districts. It will repeal outdated statutes and replace them with updated provisions under the Special District Local Laws Code. This will likely eliminate some inefficiencies in the current operational frameworks and enhance compliance by local authorities to contemporary standards. Moreover, by consolidating regulations, the bill could support better resource management and environmental stewardship, crucial for addressing water-related issues in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1615 is a legislative measure aimed at revising certain local laws pertaining to water and wastewater special districts within Texas. The essence of the bill is framed as a nonsubstantive revision, which suggests that it primarily seeks to update language, structure, and organization of existing laws without making significant alterations to their substance. This bill includes a conforming amendment which clarifies the operational framework under which these districts function, potentially improving their administrative processes and ensuring more coherent regulatory standards throughout the state.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 1615 appears to be positive, particularly among stakeholders involved in water management and local governance. Proponents argue that it aids in simplifying the legal structure governing special districts, facilitating ease of understanding and implementation. Nonetheless, some skepticism may be found among those concerned about potential unintended consequences of simplifying legal frameworks, which could lead to gaps in enforcement or oversight if not properly managed.

Contention

Despite the general support, there may be points of contention regarding the bill's implications for local autonomy. Some local officials may feel that standardizing regulations could limit their ability to tailor solutions to unique local challenges. The bill, while cleaning up and updating old laws, could also be perceived as diminishing local control in favor of state oversight, igniting debates about the balance between statewide regulation and localized governance.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Special District Local Laws Code

Chapter 1. General Provisions
- Section: New Section

Water Code

Chapter 51. Water Control And Improvement Districts
- Section: New Section

Latest TX HB1615 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th Regular HB1615

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4504

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

TX HB2815

Relating to the powers, authorities, duties, and responsibilities of certain conservation and reclamation districts and to notice a person who proposes to sell or convey real property located in any of certain conservation and reclamation districts must provide to a prospective purchaser of that property.

TX SB2521

Relating to the powers, authorities, duties, and responsibilities of certain conservation and reclamation districts.

TX HB4595

Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes and to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX HB5352

Relating to the approval and creation of the Williamson County Development District No. 1; and to the administration, powers, duties, operation, and financing of the district, including the authority to impose an assessment, a tax, and issue bonds.

TX HB5344

Relating to the eligibility of certain retired firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical services providers to purchase continued health benefits coverage; the creation of certain special purpose districts and the name, powers, and duties of the 3 B&J Municipal Utility District; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX SB1418

Relating to the route designation for the issuance of a permit for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles in certain counties.

TX SB2431

Relating to the Harris County Flood Control District; providing for the appointment of the governing body.

TX HB5338

Relating to the Harris County Flood Control District and the transfer to it of the assets, programs, and facilities of the Harris County Toll Road Authority; providing for the appointment of the governing body.