Texas House Bill HB1926

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the extension of water or sewer service by certain retail public utilities at the request of a developer.

Impact

The implications of HB1926 are significant, as it establishes clearer timelines and requirements for utilities when addressing service requests from developers. It aims to streamline the development process by ensuring that utility companies provide timely information regarding their capacity to extend services. This could potentially reduce delays in development projects, benefiting the real estate and construction industries. Additionally, the bill empowers developers to petition the utility commission if their requests are denied or if they do not receive the requisite information in a timely manner.

Summary

House Bill 1926 seeks to modify the process by which certain retail public utilities can extend water and sewer services at the request of developers. The bill stipulates that when a developer requests an extension for water or sewer utility services for subdivided land or for more than two connections, the respective utility corporation or district must respond within 90 days. This response should include a detailed assessment of the infrastructure the developer is required to supply and any engineering details to support the information provided by the utility company.

Contention

While the bill is designed to facilitate development and streamline processes, there may be contention around the balance of power between developers and public utilities. Some utility companies might argue that they need more flexibility to determine service extension eligibility, while proponents of the bill may advocate for the rights of developers to receive timely responses. The necessity for the utility commission's involvement in the petition process adds a layer of oversight but also indicates that disputes may arise regarding compliance with service extension policies.