Texas House Bill HB806

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to nonsubmetered billing for water or wastewater service.

Impact

One of the bill's significant impacts is the mandated transparency in billing practices, ensuring that utilities publicly share their current rate structures and any applicable fees. This is designed to empower customers by providing them with detailed information about costs associated with their services. Moreover, the bill stipulates that municipalities cannot charge a dwelling unit base charge for nonsubmetered master metered utility service if a master meter charge already exists for the same property, preventing double billing for the same service.

Summary

House Bill 806 aims to regulate nonsubmetered billing practices for water and wastewater services provided by municipally owned utilities in Texas. The bill introduces specific definitions for key terms like 'nonsubmetered master metered utility service' and outlines the obligations of utilities to disclose certain information regarding their rate structures and charges. Under this legislation, utilities will be required to provide clear statements for each billing instance, specifically for apartment houses, manufactured home rental communities, and multiple use facilities that employ master metering for water services.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB 806 focus on the implications for local governance and the operational practices of municipally owned utilities. Stakeholders may argue over the increased regulatory requirements and compliance costs introduced for water utilities that could affect service delivery or costs. Advocates for the bill may argue it enhances consumer rights, while opponents may perceive it as an additional bureaucratic layer that could complicate the operations of utility providers. The effective date of the bill, set for September 1, 2021, raises the urgency for municipalities to adapt to the new requirements and may trigger discussions on the adequacy of the current infrastructure to handle these changes.