Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4804

Filed

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the San Jacinto River Authority; providing authority to issue bonds; imposing an administrative penalty.

Impact

The implications of HB 4804 on Texas laws are significant, particularly as they introduce mechanisms for issuing public securities without requiring an election for the Authority's needs. This flexibility allows the Authority to fund various water conservation projects and improvement initiatives more efficiently. Furthermore, the bill mandates that regulated users comply with measures to reduce groundwater withdrawals, reflecting an evolving legal framework aimed at sustainable water use in the state.

Summary

House Bill 4804 seeks to enhance the regulatory powers of the San Jacinto River Authority, specifically in relation to groundwater management and conservation. The bill enables the Authority to develop, adopt, and enforce comprehensive groundwater reduction plans aimed at promoting the efficient use of water resources within its jurisdiction. This move is part of a broader effort to preserve and protect groundwater supplies in Texas and addresses the growing concerns related to water scarcity due to population growth and environmental changes.

Contention

Notably, points of contention surrounding this bill arise from administrative penalties imposed on violators of the Authority's rules, which may reach up to $10,000 per violation. Discussions have emerged regarding the balance of regulatory enforcement versus the costs imposed on local users, raising concerns about the economic impacts on agricultural and industrial sectors that rely heavily on groundwater. Critics fear that stringent measures could lead to pushback from those who may find compliance burdensome.

Regulatory framework

In addition, the bill conveys broader authority to the San Jacinto River Authority, allowing for the establishment of various fees and charges associated with groundwater withdrawal, which helps fund the Authority's operations and maintenance of groundwater management programs. Amidst these changes, local governments are also engaged in discussions about the extent to which they have control over groundwater resources within their jurisdictions, prompting debates on the balance of local versus state regulatory powers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2911

Relating to approval by voters prior to the issuance of revenue bonds by the San Jacinto River Authority.

TX SB2180

Relating to the powers of a public utility agency; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments.

TX HB2701

Relating to public utility agencies; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments.

TX HB5396

Relating to the powers and duties of the Stanley Lake Municipal Utility District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees and taxes.

TX SB2619

Relating to the powers and duties of the Stanley Lake Municipal Utility District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees and taxes.

TX HB5312

Relating to the powers and duties of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 147; providing authority to issue bonds and impose fees and taxes.

TX HB5411

Relating to the board of directors and powers and duties of the Twinwood Municipal Utility District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX HB3356

Relating to the powers and duties and authority to issue bonds of the SH130 Municipal Management District No. 1.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB2449

Relating to the creation of the Dallas Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.

Similar Bills

TX SB2489

Relating to the authority of the San Jacinto River Authority to implement a groundwater reduction plan for the conservation of groundwater and the reduction of groundwater withdrawals in Montgomery County, and to issue bonds of the authority; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB1870

Relating to the creation of the West Fort Bend Water Authority; providing authority to issue bonds; granting the power of eminent domain; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB3920

Relating to the creation of the West Fort Bend Water Authority; providing authority to issue bonds; granting the power of eminent domain; providing an administrative penalty; providing authority to impose fees or taxes.

TX HB3998

Relating to the transfer of the administration of surface water rights permitting from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Texas Water Development Board and the regulation of groundwater; authorizing fees; authorizing civil penalties.