83R1700 DDT-D
By: Phillips H.B. No. 693
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of a water and sewer utility to collect
voluntary contributions on behalf of a local library.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 13.143(a), (b), and (d), Water Code,
are amended to read as follows:
(a) A utility may implement as part of its billing process a
program under which the utility collects from its customers a
voluntary contribution, including a voluntary membership or
subscription fee, on behalf of a local library, a volunteer fire
department, or an emergency medical service.
(b) A utility that collects contributions under this
section shall provide each customer at the time that the customer
first becomes a customer, and at least annually thereafter, a
written statement:
(1) describing the procedure by which the customer may
make a contribution with the customer's bill payment;
(2) designating the local library, volunteer fire
department, or emergency medical service to which the utility will
deliver the contribution;
(3) informing the customer that a contribution is
voluntary; and
(4) describing the deductibility status of the
contribution under federal income tax law.
(d) The utility shall promptly deliver contributions that
it collects under this section to the designated local library,
volunteer fire department, or emergency medical service, except
that the utility may keep from the contributions an amount equal to
the lesser of:
(1) the utility's expenses in administering the
contribution program; or
(2) five percent of the amount collected as
contributions.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.