Texas House Bill HB5648

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/18/25

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District No. 13; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Impact

The bill grants the district limited powers including the authority to impose assessments, issue bonds, and potentially collect fees to fund its operations. Importantly, the district has been given a constrained power of eminent domain, meaning it can acquire property necessary for its operations but within specified limitations. This aspect may lead to mixed reactions: on one hand, it allows the district to secure land for essential infrastructure, while on the other, it raises concerns about property rights and the impact on landowners within the district's boundaries.

Summary

House Bill 5648 proposes the establishment of the Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District No. 13. The district is intended to address water management and stormwater control by creating a legal entity that can manage resources effectively within its defined boundaries. This includes provisions for collecting, transporting, processing, and disposing of waste, as well as managing local stormwater. The bill outlines the necessary administrative structure, including a board of directors to oversee the district's operations and decision-making processes.

Contention

One significant contentious point surrounding HB 5648 is the issue of eminent domain. The bill states that the district may not exercise the power of eminent domain outside its boundaries to acquire sites for road projects or recreational facilities, which some advocates argue may hinder the district's effectiveness in addressing broader community needs. Critics may express that this provision could limit the district's growth and operational scope, potentially compromising its intended benefits to the constituents it serves. Overall, the bill reflects an effort to improve local water management systems, but discussions may arise about its broader implications on land use and governance.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Water Code

• Chapter 49. Provisions Applicable To All Districts
  • Section: 004

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

Local Government Code

• Chapter 42. Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Of Municipalities
  • Section: 042
  • Section: 0425