Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1162

Filed

3/10/15

Out of Senate Committee

4/22/15

Voted on by Senate

4/30/15

Out of House Committee

5/21/15

Voted on by House

5/27/15

Governor Action

6/17/15

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain local laws concerning water and wastewater special districts, including conforming amendments.

Impact

The implementation of SB1162 is expected to streamline the operational capabilities of water and wastewater special districts by simplifying existing regulations and clarifying governance structures. This overhaul is intended to ensure that these entities can operate effectively while adhering to uniform standards. Importantly, the bill does not expand or contract the geographical boundaries of existing special districts, preserving their current service areas while enhancing their administrative functionalities.

Summary

SB1162 aims to revise various local laws concerning water and wastewater special districts within Texas, primarily focusing on non-substantive revisions and conforming amendments to existing legislation. This act is essentially a codification intended to reorganize and clarify existing statutes that relate to the governance, operations, and financial management of these special districts without changing their substantive legal effects. The legislation entails the addition of specific chapters to enhance the clarity of governance over these districts, thereby strengthening their operational framework.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1162 appears to be largely positive, particularly among legislators who recognize the need for clarity and organization in local governance regarding water management. The unanimous support in both the Senate and House, reflected in the voting results with yeas totaling 31 in the Senate and 144 in the House, indicates bipartisan agreement on the bill's merits. However, there may be concerns from local entities regarding the autonomy of special districts and the extent of state oversight, although these issues were not at the forefront of the discussions.

Contention

While the bill has received broad support, objections may arise regarding the general principle of revising legislation in a manner perceived as diminishing local control or altering the political landscape of special districts. No significant points of contention were reported publicly during voting, but potential criticisms could focus on how local needs may vary in different districts and whether codification adequately accounts for those variances. The legislative intent emphasizes that no substantive changes are made, leading to assurances that local needs remain recognized within the new codification.

Latest TX SB1162 Activity

View All Events: TX 2015 - 84th Regular SB1162

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4504

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

TX HB2815

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.

TX HB4595

Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes and to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes.

TX SB2521

Relating to the powers, authorities, duties, and responsibilities of certain conservation and reclamation districts.

TX HB1916

Relating to approval of subdivision plats, improvement projects, and certain special districts by certain counties.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX HB5352

Relating to the approval and creation of the Williamson County Development District No. 1; and to the administration, powers, duties, operation, and financing of the district, including the authority to impose an assessment, a tax, and issue bonds.

TX HB5344

Relating to the eligibility of certain retired firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical services providers to purchase continued health benefits coverage; the creation of certain special purpose districts and the name, powers, and duties of the 3 B&J Municipal Utility District; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX HB2900

Relating to the powers, duties, and use of funds of the Trinity Bay Conservation District.

TX HB5363

Relating to the creation of the Jones Avenue Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.