Texas Senate Bill SB1663

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to exempting certain water districts from review and supervision by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of district bond packages and projects.

Impact

If enacted, SB1663 would substantially alter how certain water districts operate by reducing regulatory scrutiny. It would allow these districts more autonomy in financial decisions related to bond issuance as long as they meet outlined criteria. The potential impact includes a quicker turnaround for funding water-related projects, which could enhance infrastructure and service delivery in the affected areas, particularly in urban or densely populated regions governed by local municipalities.

Summary

Senate Bill 1663 focuses on exempting specific water districts from the requirement of review and supervision by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) concerning district bond packages and projects. The bill modifies the Water Code to outline criteria under which certain districts, particularly those meeting specific demographic and organizational conditions, would not be subjected to TCEQ oversight. This exemption seeks to streamline processes for these districts in managing their bond projects without regulatory delays.

Contention

The notable points of contention regarding SB1663 center around concerns about accountability and governance. Critics argue that the exemption could lead to less oversight on the financial practices of these water districts, posing risks of mismanagement or inefficient use of funds. Proponents, however, maintain that the regulatory burden on these districts is excessive and that the change promotes local governance by allowing elected or appointed boards greater flexibility in financial matters related to water supply and services.