Texas House Bill HB2171

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/8/09

Caption

Relating to the abolishment of the Lower Concho River Water and Soil Conservation Authority.

Impact

The immediate impact of HB 2171 would be the dissolution of the Lower Concho River Water and Soil Conservation Authority as of September 1, 2009. With the authority's abolishment, assets held by the authority are to escheat to the state, which could alter how conservation funding and resources are allocated going forward. The legislation may lead to a reassessment of conservation priorities and responsibilities at both state and local levels, which could affect various stakeholders involved in water management and conservation efforts. It could streamline the decision-making process by relegating authority to state-level governance rather than local control.

Summary

House Bill 2171 aims to abolish the Lower Concho River Water and Soil Conservation Authority, transferring its assets to the state. This bill signifies a shift in how water and soil conservation efforts are managed in Texas, as it removes an established local authority that was responsible for such matters. The legislation reflects a legislative decision to streamline water management and possibly consolidate responsibilities under state jurisdiction. This change could impact local conservation efforts by centralizing authority and oversight, which might lead to modifications in local practices related to water and soil management.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2171 may arise from concerns regarding the potential loss of localized oversight in water management. Critics of the bill might argue that the abolishment of the conservation authority could undermine community-specific needs and hinder grassroots efforts aimed at addressing environmental issues effectively. Proponents of the bill may argue that centralizing management through the state could lead to more uniform and efficient water usage practices, as well as better management of conservation resources across wider geographic areas.