Relating to rainwater harvesting and other water conservation initiatives.
Impact
If enacted, HB3391 would mandate that new state buildings, particularly those in areas with adequate rainfall, incorporate rainwater harvesting systems into their designs. This could lead to significant changes in state construction standards and promote a shift towards more sustainable water management practices. Additionally, the bill encourages municipalities to provide incentives for rainwater harvesting systems, such as discounts on rain barrels or rebates for water storage facilities, thus promoting wider adoption throughout Texas.
Summary
House Bill 3391 focuses on enhancing rainwater harvesting and promoting water conservation initiatives across Texas. The bill proposes amendments to various codes, including the Finance Code, Government Code, Health and Safety Code, and Local Government Code, to encourage the use of harvested rainwater as a primary water source for new developments, particularly state buildings. The bill also allows financial institutions to offer loans for projects that utilize harvested rainwater, thereby incentivizing its adoption in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB3391 might center on health and safety regulations. The bill outlines the need for safe installation practices for rainwater harvesting systems connected to public water supplies, mandating certain safeguards to prevent contamination. Opponents may express concerns about the feasibility of these requirements and hold that additional regulations could discourage the adoption of rainwater systems. Furthermore, stakeholders in the real estate and development sectors may worry about the potential cost implications of retrofitting existing structures to comply with new standards.
Relating to the procurement by local governments of energy savings performance contracts for certain conservation measures; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a fee.
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 the powers, authorities, duties, and responsibilities of certain conservation and reclamation districts and to notice a person who proposes to sell or convey real property located in any of certain conservation and reclamation districts must provide to a prospective purchaser of that property.