Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2192

Filed
3/9/23  
Out of Senate Committee
4/24/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/27/23  
Out of House Committee
5/19/23  
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the notice and petition for the creation of a municipal utility district in certain counties.

Impact

The passage of SB2192 aims to improve the regulatory landscape concerning municipal utility districts by ensuring that counties are involved earlier in the process. This legislative change is expected to facilitate a more coordinated effort between state and local governments, promoting transparency and responsiveness to county needs regarding MUD developments. This new requirement for advance notification is positioned as a way to mitigate potential conflicts between local authorities and developers by offering counties a chance to express their views on proposed projects.

Summary

Senate Bill 2192 relates to the process for creating a municipal utility district (MUD) in Texas, specifically amending regulations concerning notice and petition requirements under the Water Code. The bill mandates that before any petition for the creation of a MUD is filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), notification must be sent to the commissioners court of each relevant county. This pre-petition notice is intended to solicit feedback from counties and enhance communication regarding any proposed MUD projects, allowing counties to better manage expectations and give their input before a formal application is made.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding SB2192 has been generally positive, particularly among stakeholders who advocate for stronger collaboration between local governments and state agencies. Supporters argue that the bill will enhance local governance and enable more informed decision-making regarding MUDs. Public testimony during meetings showcased significant endorsement, with various witnesses highlighting the necessity of keeping counties apprised of MUD plans. However, there could be some apprehension from developers regarding potential delays introduced by the new notification process.

Contention

While the bill seemingly garners support, some stakeholders may express concern regarding how the added requirement for notification could impact the timely establishment of MUDs. If some counties or local governments choose to respond with lengthy deliberations or objections, this might slow the process of utility district formation. Nevertheless, proponents of SB2192 contend that more input from county authorities will ultimately lead to better-aligned utility projects that serve community needs and environmental standards.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Water Code

  • Chapter 54. Municipal Utility Districts
    • Section: 001
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 015
    • Section: 001
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 015
    • Section: 001
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 015
    • Section: 001
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 015

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB60

Relating to the notice and petition for the creation of a municipal utility district in certain counties.

TX SB102

Relating to the notice and petition for the creation of a municipal utility district in certain counties.

TX HB363

Relating to the filing with the county clerk of certain counties of a draft of a petition requesting the creation of a municipal utility district.

TX HB5555

Relating to municipal utility districts; limiting the rate of a tax.

TX HB2015

Relating to the consideration of water conservation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality when determining whether to grant or deny a petition for the creation of certain municipal utility districts.

TX HB204

Relating to the inclusion of a water conservation plan in a petition filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requesting the creation of a municipal utility district.

TX SB2887

Relating to the consideration of water conservation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality when determining whether to grant or deny a petition for the creation of a municipal utility district.

TX HB4978

Relating to the creation of municipal utility districts in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality.

TX SB1994

Relating to the consideration of the provision of law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency services by a commissioners court or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality when determining whether to grant or deny a petition for the creation of certain conservation and reclamation districts.

TX HB4404

Relating to the consideration of the provision of law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency services by a commissioners court or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality when determining whether to grant or deny a petition for the creation of certain conservation and reclamation districts.

Similar Bills

AR SB425

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Enhanced Transportation; And To Declare An Emergency.

KY SB3

AN ACT relating to redistricting and declaring an emergency.

AR HB1238

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Enhanced Transportation Funding Amounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

NH HB50

Apportioning state representative districts.

KY SB2

AN ACT relating to redistricting and declaring an emergency.

KY HB2

AN ACT relating to redistricting and declaring an emergency.

CA AB1719

Housing: Community College Faculty and Employee Housing Act of 2022.

MS HB1311

Seventh Circuit Court District; revise number of assistant district attorneys and criminal investigators.