Texas House Bill HB1295

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/4/09
• Voted on by House: 5/17/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to notification of an application related to a certificate of public convenience and necessity for water or sewer service.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1295 is expected to enhance transparency and community involvement in the certification process for public water services. By mandating notification to affected parties, the bill seeks to promote a more participatory approach to the management and distribution of water resources. This change could lead to better-informed public discourse and potential interventions from community members at hearings related to these applications.

Summary

House Bill 1295 aims to amend Section 13.246 of the Water Code regarding the notification process for applications related to a certificate of public convenience and necessity for water or sewer services. The bill requires that when an application is filed, the commission must notify affected parties and relevant counties and groundwater conservation districts that fall within the proposed area of certification. This is intended to ensure that all stakeholders are informed about developments that may impact their access to essential water services.

Contention

While supporters of the bill advocate for increased transparency and inclusion of affected communities in decision-making, there may be concerns from some stakeholders about the potential for delaying processes related to essential services. Certain local governments or utilities may worry that increased bureaucracy associated with notification and hearings could hinder timely approvals for necessary water management projects. Thus, the balance between public participation and operational efficiency will likely be a point of discussion among lawmakers and interest groups.