Texas House Bill HB2452

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the appointment of a watermaster for the Brazos River Basin; providing for a limitation on certain fees.

Impact

The bill modifies existing sections of the Texas Water Code, specifically pertaining to the administration of adjudicated water rights. It mandates the creation of a specific water division encompassing the entire Brazos River Basin, which is expected to bolster local water management efforts. Additionally, HB2452 introduces a cap on fees assessed for the administration of water rights, particularly limiting the annual fee for agricultural water rights holders to a maximum of $120 and exempting domestic and livestock water users from fees. This approach aims to alleviate financial burdens on agricultural stakeholders while ensuring effective water management practices.

Summary

House Bill 2452 aims to establish a watermaster for the Brazos River Basin to enhance the management of water rights within the region. This legislative effort is focused on addressing the complexities and administrative challenges of water allocation as the demand for water resources continues to rise. By appointing a dedicated watermaster, the bill seeks to streamline the oversight of water rights, ensuring that holders of these rights can efficiently access and utilize their allocated resources according to established regulations.

Contention

While the bill presents a structured framework for the management of water resources, concerns may arise regarding the efficacy of fee restrictions and the potential impact on funding for necessary management activities. Critics could argue that limiting fee assessments might lead to insufficient resources for the watermaster to effectively perform their duties. Therefore, as this bill progresses, the balance between economic constraints and effective water management will likely become a focal point of discussion amongst stakeholders and legislators.