Texas House Bill HB3663

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the North Central Texas Municipal Water Authority.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3663 has implications for state laws governing water authorities, particularly in terms of land use and resource management. By explicitly granting the Authority the ability to acquire land and validating previous actions, the bill addresses the increasing concerns over water scarcity in Texas. This legislative action reinforces the Authority's capacity to secure necessary resources for water distribution while remaining compliant with state regulations. The validation aspect of the bill also provides legal assurance for the Authority regarding its past decisions to develop groundwater sources in response to drought conditions.

Summary

House Bill 3663 pertains to the North Central Texas Municipal Water Authority, specifically amending its powers and duties. The bill enables the Authority to acquire land and develop necessary resources for water storage, processing, and distribution for municipal and industrial purposes. Importantly, it validates actions taken by the Authority regarding groundwater development during emergency drought conditions prior to the bill's enactment. The legislation aims at enhancing the Authority's operational flexibility in managing water resources amidst drought challenges, thereby improving water availability for its service area.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3663 appears to be positive among legislators, primarily due to the critical nature of water management in Texas. Lawmakers supporting the bill emphasized its necessity in ensuring that the North Central Texas Municipal Water Authority can effectively respond to drought conditions and manage water resources efficiently. Opponents, if any expressed, seemed to be minimal, as the consensus largely favored empowering the Authority during water scarcity situations, which is a pressing issue for many communities in the region.

Contention

While no major points of contention were noted during discussions related to HB 3663, concerns could arise regarding the balance between state intervention and local control over groundwater resources. The bill's allowance for the Authority to validate previous emergency actions may lead to discussions around the scope of authority and the implications of such validation on existing local policies. Nevertheless, the overarching aim of the bill aligns with the necessity of adapting to water scarcity challenges, which is a priority for the legislature.