Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1056

Filed
2/21/23  
Out of Senate Committee
4/24/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/26/23  
Out of House Committee
5/20/23  
Voted on by House
5/24/23  
Governor Action
6/18/23  

Caption

Relating to the directors and administration of the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3.

Impact

The modifications proposed by SB1056 include stricter criteria for director eligibility, which aim to eliminate conflicts of interest and increase transparency in governance. Under the bill, potential directors are disqualified if they have substantial financial connections to entities that receive funds from the district. This approach aligns with broader initiatives to foster accountability within local governments and their respective water management systems.

Summary

Senate Bill 1056 seeks to address the governance and administrative structure of the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3. This local bill introduces reforms aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the district by ensuring fair elections and improving management practices. The bill builds upon previous legislation that sought to reform the administration and operation of the district, particularly concerning director qualifications and election processes.

Sentiment

Legislative sentiment regarding SB1056 showcased a strong sense of support within the committee, as evidenced by the unanimous votes in favor of the bill during its passages in both the Senate and House. However, there were also dissenting voices, particularly from some local directors who expressed concerns about the reinstatement of previously excluded properties and questioned the necessity of the reforms presented in the bill. Nevertheless, the general tone of discussions leaned towards appreciation for the increased measures of transparency and integrity.

Contention

While SB1056 received broad support, points of contention arose during the discussions, particularly around its potential implications for local governance. Critics, including some members of the district's board, highlighted concerns regarding changes to director eligibility and the perception that the bill might overlook sufficient accountability measures already in place. These debates underscored an ongoing tension between striving for operational efficiency and maintaining local governance autonomy.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Water Code

  • Chapter 49. Provisions Applicable To All Districts
    • Section: 052
    • Section: 105
    • Section: 106
    • Section: 108
    • Section: 309
    • Section: 3181
    • Section: 105
    • Section: 052
    • Section: 110
    • Section: 111
    • Section: 309
    • Section: 3181
    • Section: 191
    • Section: 110
    • Section: 111
    • Section: 110
    • Section: 111
    • Section: 191
    • Section: 197
  • Chapter 51. Water Control And Improvement Districts
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 052
    • Section: New Section

Election Code

  • Chapter 31. Officers To Administer Elections
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 41. Election Dates And Hours For Voting
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 11. Qualifications And Requirements For Voting
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 63. Accepting Voter
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 141. Candidacy For Public Office Generally
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 040
    • Section: New Section

Tax Code

  • Chapter 23. Appraisal Methods And Procedures
    • Section: 51
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 26. Assessment
    • Section: 18

Special District Local Laws Code

  • Chapter 9054. Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Local Government Code

  • Chapter 140. Miscellaneous Financial Provisions Affecting Municipalities, Counties, And Other Local Governments
    • Section: 005

Government Code

  • Chapter 551. Open Meetings
    • Section: 1283
    • Section: 1283
  • Chapter 403. Comptroller Of Public Accounts
    • Section: 0241
  • Chapter 1201. Public Security Procedures Act
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 573. Degrees Of Relationship; Nepotism Prohibitions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards Of Conduct, And Conflict Of Interest
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

CA SB558

Imperial Valley Healthcare District: voting districts.

TX HB3880

Relating to the creation of the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX SB1840

Relating to the creation of the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX HB2859

Relating to the creation of the Terrell County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.

CA AB929

Sustainable groundwater management: managed wetlands.

TX SB726

Relating to the creation of the Harrison County and Prairielands Groundwater Conservation Districts; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds and granting a limited power of eminent domain.

TX HB4743

Relating to the creation of the Terrell County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.

AZ SB1012

Sanitary districts; directors; payment