Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2830

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to nonirrigable land in irrigation districts.

Impact

The enactment of HB2830 is expected to have a significant impact on the allocation of maintenance expenses within irrigation districts. By excluding nonirrigable lands from assessments, the bill could result in lower financial burdens for landowners who fit the criteria outlined in the amendments. This could positively influence land use decisions, encouraging property owners to maintain or develop their lands without the fear of incurring unnecessary costs related to irrigation assessments. Overall, the bill seeks to align irrigation district practices more closely with the current realities of land use and ownership intentions.

Summary

House Bill 2830 addresses the issue of nonirrigable land within irrigation districts in Texas. The bill modifies existing laws to prevent the levying of certain assessments against land that is either not irrigable or is no longer intended for irrigation by its owners. This amendment is aimed at providing clarity and fair assessment practices for property owners who may not utilize their land for irrigation, which could otherwise lead to unjust charges based on outdated usage expectations. HB2830 is intended to ensure that those holding nonirrigable land are not financially burdened by assessments meant for actively irrigable properties.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2830 appears to be largely positive among stakeholders, particularly those who own land that is categorized as nonirrigable. Supporters argue that the bill appropriately recognizes the diverse uses of land in Texas and seeks to protect landowners from unfair assessments. However, there may be some contention from irrigation district boards that rely on assessments for maintenance funding, as the exclusion of nonirrigable land could potentially affect their budget and operational planning. Nevertheless, the prevailing view seems to favor the updates the bill proposes.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding how broadly 'nonirrigable land' is defined and the potential implications for irrigation districts in terms of funding and resource allocation. While the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens on landowners, some may fear that the exclusion of certain lands from assessments could lead to funding shortfalls for critical water management infrastructures. This presents a fundamental challenge in balancing the interests of landowners with the operational needs of irrigation districts, potentially leading to debates about equitable funding and resource management.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Water Code

  • Chapter 58. Irrigation Districts
    • Section: 305
    • Section: 731

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.