Texas House Bill HB2900

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/27/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/25/23
• Voted on by House: 5/6/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/23
• Governor Action: 6/13/23

Caption

Relating to the powers, duties, and use of funds of the Trinity Bay Conservation District.

Impact

HB 2900 ensures that the funds generated from ad valorem taxes can only be allocated for flood and drainage mitigation, as well as administrative costs, prohibiting the mixing of these funds with those for water distribution or sewage services. This delineation is intended to streamline and target funding towards flood and drainage efforts more effectively, thereby aiming to improve responsiveness to future flooding incidents. The bill implies a more focused approach to financial management within the district, potentially enhancing infrastructure resilience.

Summary

House Bill 2900 relates to the powers, duties, and use of funds of the Trinity Bay Conservation District. The bill establishes that the district has the rights and powers similar to other conservation and reclamation districts under Texas law. It aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Trinity Bay Conservation District, particularly in managing water, sewage, and drainage for parts of Chambers and Jefferson Counties. The legislation is particularly relevant following significant flooding events, including Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Ike, which highlighted the critical need for improved flood and drainage management in the region.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2900 is generally positive among its proponents, especially local representatives and district officials who recognize the bill as a necessary step towards better flood management practices. During discussions, representatives expressed a commitment to addressing the complaints regarding previous management practices. However, there were concerns from some stakeholders regarding the singular focus on drainage, fearing it might overlook broader water management needs within the district.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the initial consideration of splitting the responsibilities of the Trinity Bay Conservation District and the creation of a separate entity for utility services, which sparked debates during the committee meetings. Ultimately, the decision to maintain the existing structure with more defined financial guidelines was seen as a compromise to multiple parties involved. The evolution of the bill reflects the ongoing effort to balance effective governance of water resources with the needs of local communities impacted by flooding.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Water Code

• Chapter 49. Provisions Applicable To All Districts
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 004
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 56. Drainage Districts
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 65. Special Utility Districts
  • Section: New Section

Property Code

• Chapter 21. Eminent Domain
  • Section: New Section