Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4171

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 219; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Impact

The anticipated impact of HB 4171 on state laws includes revisions to existing environmental statutes to create clearer guidelines for compliance and enforcement. It would introduce new requirements for businesses to monitor and report on their environmental impact, and in doing so, it aims to foster an environment where sustainability becomes a priority. However, the implementation of such requirements could also raise financial concerns among smaller businesses that may struggle to meet new regulations, leading to mixed opinions within the business community.

Summary

House Bill 4171 seeks to address environmental regulations in the state by proposing new frameworks for how both government and businesses can manage their environmental impact. The bill is primarily focused on promoting sustainability practices while also considering the economic implications for businesses operating within the state. Proponents argue that the bill encourages innovation and provides a balance between environmental responsibility and economic growth, effectively aiming to establish standards that are both attainable and beneficial for the state’s ecosystem.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding HB 4171 appears to be divided among various stakeholders. Environmental advocacy groups largely support the bill, viewing it as a significant step towards improved ecological standards and practices. Conversely, some business associations express concerns regarding the potential financial burdens associated with compliance. The sentiment reflects a broader debate on how to effectively balance economic development and environmental stewardship.

Contention

Notable points of contention relate to the feasibility of the proposed standards and the potential economic implications for various sectors. Critics argue that stringent regulations could disproportionately affect small and medium-sized enterprises, resulting in job losses or business closures. Additionally, there are fears that the bill may lead to increased bureaucracy, making it more challenging for companies to navigate their regulatory obligations. As such, discussions around HB 4171 highlight a critical tension between the need for environmental reform and the realities of economic competitiveness.

Companion Bills

TX SB2007

Identical Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 219; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Similar Bills

TX HB3924

Relating to the creation of the Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, or surcharges.

TX HB2640

Relating to the creation of the Western Travis County Groundwater Conservation District; providing general law authority to issue bonds and exercise the power of eminent domain; providing general law authority to impose assessments, fees, surcharges, or taxes.

TX SB1360

Relating to the creation of the Aransas County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds and impose a tax; providing general law authority to impose fees and surcharges.

TX HB4207

Relating to the creation of the Aransas County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds and impose a tax; providing general law authority to impose fees and surcharges.

TX HB4038

Relating to the creation of the Western Travis County Groundwater Conservation District; providing general law authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees.

TX HB922

Relating to the creation of the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees.

TX HB4743

Relating to the creation of the Terrell County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.

TX HR2622

Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction, H.B. No. 4345.