Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and other entities regarding water and sewer utilities and certain conservation and reclamation districts.
Impact
The implications of HB2400 on state laws are significant, as it clarifies the regulatory framework under which the TCEQ operates, particularly in the realm of utility management and rate setting. With these amendments, the TCEQ gains more authority to oversee rate changes while imposing stricter requirements on how utilities communicate proposed rate increases to consumers. This could lead to easier and quicker adjustments in rates for utilities and potentially reduce barriers for municipalities seeking to provide services in unserved areas, thus improving overall service efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Summary
House Bill 2400 addresses the responsibilities and authorities of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regarding the regulation of water and sewer utilities and certain conservation districts. The bill amends several sections of the Texas Water Code, modifying existing definitions and establishing new protocols for utility rate changes. A key component of the bill is the introduction of a utility facilities construction and improvement charge, which allows utilities to recover costs associated with infrastructure improvements in a streamlined manner that can enhance service delivery.
Contention
Although designed to streamline processes, the bill may face criticism regarding concerns over consumer protection. The introduction of the improvement charge, while beneficial for utility companies looking to finance improvements, might lead to debates over its potential impacts on consumer rates. Stakeholders may express concerns that such changes could reduce oversight and lead to increased costs for consumers without adequate justification or scrutiny. As the bill progresses, discussions will likely focus on finding a balance between facilitating utility investment and ensuring transparency and fairness for consumers.
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.
Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the permitting of and performance of annual soil tests for certain concentrated animal feeding operations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Relating to rates for water service, to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and to the duties of the Office of Public Utility Counsel regarding the economic regulation of water and sewer service.
Relating to rates for water service, to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and to the duties of the Office of Public Utility Counsel regarding the economic regulation of water and sewer service.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to the transfer of certain functions from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to the rates for water service, and to the functions of the Office of Public Utility Counsel; authorizing a fee.
Relating to certain extraordinary costs incurred by certain gas utilities relating to Winter Storm Uri and a study of measures to mitigate similar future costs; providing authority to issue bonds and impose fees and assessments.