Texas House Bill HB3419

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the planning and funding of water projects to be constructed in a region other than the region proposing the project.

Impact

By requiring a supermajority consent from the regional planning group, HB 3419 impacts how regional water plans are formulated and executed. It means that projects will not only need to be viable but also politically palatable for the regions impacted. This amendment aims to promote cooperation among various regional groups, ensuring that vital water resources are managed in a responsible manner, addressing both local needs and broader state objectives.

Summary

House Bill 3419 aims to amend the Texas Water Code to regulate the planning and funding of water projects constructed in regions other than the proposing region. The bill stipulates that for a regional water plan to include such a proposal, it must receive consent from at least two-thirds of the members of the relevant regional planning group. This provision seeks to ensure that projects benefit from broad regional support, thus mitigating potential conflicts over water resource management across different regions in Texas.

Sentiment

The discussion surrounding HB 3419 seems to indicate a recognition of the importance of collaboration in water resource planning in Texas. Proponents likely view the bill favorably, as it emphasizes consensus and responsible management of water projects, aligning with broader environmental stewardship goals. Conversely, the stipulation for two-thirds consent might introduce delays in project proposals or challenges from minority opinions within regional groups, which could engender some contention.

Contention

One notable point of contention might arise around the supermajority requirement itself, as it could empower smaller, dissenting voices within planning groups to halt or significantly delay proposed water projects. This could potentially lead to frustration among proponents of specific projects who feel that local needs might not be adequately addressed or that regional planning groups may become battlegrounds for varying local interests. The balance between local autonomy in decision-making and the necessity of unified regional strategies will be critical in the bill’s discussion and implementation.