Texas Senate Bill SB1371

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/16/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/21/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/4/09
• Voted on by House: 5/6/09
• Governor Action: 5/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/7/09
• Passed: 5/19/09

Caption

Relating to the colonia self-help program.

Impact

The impact of SB1371 on state laws primarily centers on improving operational guidelines for granting funds to eligible political subdivisions and nonprofit organizations. This includes a more robust framework for funding applications that identify specific project areas, the anticipated number of connections, and the involvement of local residents in self-help projects. The bill includes explicit provisions for evaluating applications based on prior responsibilities and commitments from utilities to extend services, thereby strengthening accountability and operational coherence.

Summary

SB1371 proposes amendments to the existing colonia self-help program. The bill aims to enhance the provision of adequate water and wastewater services to economically distressed areas known as colonias, particularly those located near the US-Mexico border. By modifying existing code, the bill expands the criteria for what constitutes a colonia and updates the definitions related to nonprofit organizations and political subdivisions. This legislative effort seeks to ensure that basic utilities are accessible to vulnerable communities that often grapple with infrastructural deficits.

Contention

Notably, discussions around SB1371 might highlight varying opinions on the effectiveness of self-help programs in addressing systemic issues faced by colonias. Advocates for the bill argue that it empowers local communities and provides necessary financial support for vital infrastructure improvements. Critics, however, could express concern over whether the self-help model adequately addresses the underlying causes of poverty and infrastructural neglect in these areas, particularly if the responsibility is heavily placed on local entities with limited resources.