Relating to the provision of water and certain equipment by water supply or sewer service corporations for use in fire suppression and the liability of those corporations.
Impact
The legislation modifies Section 67.0105 of the Water Code to expand the capacity of corporations in supplying essential resources for firefighting. By delineating these responsibilities, the bill is likely to improve the efficiency of emergency responses involving fire suppression. Notably, it also clarifies that when such corporations assist in providing water and equipment, the operations are considered essential governmental functions, not proprietary ones, aligning legal liabilities accordingly.
Summary
House Bill 1814 seeks to enhance the framework under which water supply or sewer service corporations provide water and certain equipment for fire suppression purposes. Specifically, the bill allows these corporations to enter into contracts with governmental entities or volunteer fire departments, emphasizing that such arrangements should be mutually beneficial. This move is intended to formalize and clarify the relationship between these service providers and the entities they support in fire emergencies.
Contention
While the bill aims at strengthening fire suppression infrastructure, there are potential points of contention regarding liability. The liability section states that corporations supplying water or equipment may only be liable to the same extent as the governmental entities they assist. This may concern certain stakeholders who fear it could limit accountability during emergencies. Discussions may emerge around whether this effectively protects service providers without diminishing the duties of local governments in providing adequate fire protection services.
Identical
Relating to the provision of water and certain equipment by water supply or sewer service corporations for use in fire suppression and the liability of those corporations.
Relating to notice provided by certain public water systems regarding a water service interruption in an area served by a fire department that provides fire suppression services.
Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to county or municipal regulation of mass gatherings and sports and community venue district duties regarding emergency services and fire suppression; authorizing fees.