Relating to the review and functions of the Texas Water Development Board.
Impact
The bill proposes significant amendments to existing statutes related to the operations and responsibilities of the Texas Water Development Board. Among these amendments is the introduction of negotiated rulemaking and alternative dispute resolution procedures to facilitate smoother operational practices. By encouraging stakeholder engagement and collaborative approaches to rulemaking, the bill may lead to more effective governance of water resources in Texas, potentially streamlining disputes related to water management.
Summary
House Bill 3530 aims to enhance the oversight and functionality of the Texas Water Development Board, ensuring it undergoes regular reviews under the Texas Sunset Act. This provision mandates that the board will not be abolished but must be reviewed every twelve years, with the next review set for 2023. Such a measure is intended to improve accountability and assessment of the board's performance, allowing for adjustments based on changing state needs and circumstances.
Contention
Critics may argue that while the bill appears to promote transparency and accountability, there are concerns regarding the potential bureaucracy that could arise from regular reviews and additional procedural mandates. Opponents might highlight the need for better-defined frameworks for these reviews to ensure that they do not become mere formalities without meaningful evaluation or repercussions for underperformance. Furthermore, establishing and collecting geospatial data as part of the board’s responsibilities may also raise questions regarding privacy and the appropriateness of data use.
Identical
Relating to the review and functions of the Texas Water Development Board, including the functions of the board and related entities in connection with the process for establishing and appealing desired future conditions in a groundwater management area.
Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.
Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.
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 continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to the review and functions of the Texas Water Development Board, including the functions of the board and related entities in connection with the process for establishing and appealing desired future conditions in a groundwater management area.
Authorizes the commissioner of conservation of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources to enforce the La. Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention (OneCall) law as it applies to pipelines (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)