Texas House Bill HB64

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/12/12

Caption

Relating to the liability of and the validation of certain acts of the Midland County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1.

Impact

The passage of HB 64 is designed to ensure that the operations and activities of the Midland County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1 are legally sound and recognized. By validating a range of actions related to the development of the T-Bar Ranch water supply and the agreements with the City of Midland, the bill seeks to confirm the legitimacy of previously executed contracts and bonds. This validation could positively influence the confidence in ongoing and future water supply projects, assuming that it effectively protects against potential claims that could arise from these activities.

Summary

House Bill 64 pertains to the liability and validation of certain acts of the Midland County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1. The bill amends the Special District Local Laws Code by introducing Chapter 6909, which defines key provisions related to the district's governmental functions. Notably, the bill establishes that the district, including its supervisors and employees, is not liable for damages arising from governmental functions, thereby protecting it from certain legal claims. This legal immunity aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the district, particularly concerning water supply management.

Contention

Some notable points of contention regarding the bill may revolve around the implications of limiting governmental liability. Critics could argue that this could lead to a lack of accountability for the district's actions, particularly in situations where residents may be adversely affected by decisions made without fear of legal repercussions. Advocates for the bill likely stress the importance of enabling the district to operate without the overhang of liability, suggesting that the benefits of efficient water supply management outweigh possible concerns of accountability.