Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB81

Caption

Relating to the naming of a reservoir by certain water districts.

Impact

The legislation modifies existing state law by requiring water districts to seek formal approval before naming reservoirs, thus empowering local governments to engage in the naming process. This is significant as it promotes the notion of local control and ensures that communities have a voice in decisions that could impact their region. The bill affects all reservoir projects underway or authorized after the law's effective date, making it retrospective to certain ongoing projects as well.

Summary

SB81 is a legislative bill aimed at regulating the process through which reservoirs are named by certain water districts in Texas. The bill stipulates that before a water district can name a reservoir that it is authorized to construct, prior approval from the commissioners court of the county where the project site is located must be obtained. This adds an additional layer of oversight to the naming process, addressing concerns about local governance and community involvement in decision-making regarding natural resources.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB81 appears to be largely positive among those who value local governance and community input. Supporters argue that the bill is a step towards better accountability and transparency, ensuring that the concerns and opinions of local residents are considered. However, some may see it as an additional bureaucratic hurdle that could slow down the construction and management of water projects.

Contention

One point of contention may arise regarding the interpretation of what constitutes sufficient input from the local community before naming a reservoir, as well as the potential delays in the approval process set forth in the bill. Some district officials may feel that the requirement for commissioners court approval could complicate efforts to promptly name and manage reservoirs, leading to logistical challenges and tensions between state and local authorities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1848

Relating to the dissolution by election of certain urban area water control and improvement districts.

TX HB2815

Relating to the powers, authorities, duties, and responsibilities of certain conservation and reclamation districts and to notice a person who proposes to sell or convey real property located in any of certain conservation and reclamation districts must provide to a prospective purchaser of that property.