Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3731

Filed
3/6/23  
Out of House Committee
4/10/23  
Voted on by House
4/20/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/9/23  
Voted on by Senate
5/12/23  
Governor Action
5/27/23  

Caption

Relating to the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.

Impact

The passage of HB 3731 reinforces the legal standing of the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, ensuring it operates under updated and clear statutes pertaining to groundwater management. The bill is intended to enhance the district's capacity to address local water issues, particularly in conservation, and limit the occurrence of abandoned or deteriorated wells. By doing so, it seeks to promote sustainable water practices that are vital for both public health and environmental protection.

Summary

House Bill 3731 focuses on the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, aiming to codify the enabling act that originally created the district. The bill outlines the governance structure, powers, and responsibilities of the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, emphasizing its role in groundwater conservation and water resource management. A significant aspect of this bill is its repeal of previous legislation that may have granted conflicting or redundant authorities, thereby streamlining operations and clarifying responsibilities within the local governance framework.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 3731 appears positive, with legislative discussions highlighting the long-overdue need for clarity and modernization of the District's operational framework. Many stakeholders, including those associated with water management in Bandera County, support this legislation as a much-needed update reflecting the current needs of the community and environment. The bill's trajectory through the legislature, passing with strong majorities, indicates bipartisan agreement on its necessity.

Contention

While there does not seem to be a significant level of opposition to HB 3731, the potential for contention could arise in areas concerning specific water management practices or funding provisions that might evolve from the updated governance mechanism. Additionally, while the bill aims to clarify powers, there exists a broader discussion around local governance authority and the management of water resources that may see varying opinions as implementation progresses.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Water Code

  • Chapter 36. Groundwater Conservation Districts
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 118
    • Section: 102
    • Section: 118
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 118
  • Chapter 49. Provisions Applicable To All Districts
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 51. Water Control And Improvement Districts
    • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 1901. Water Well Drillers
    • Section: 255
    • Section: 255
    • Section: 255

Government Code

  • Chapter 325. Sunset Law
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025
    • Section: 025

Special District Local Laws Code

  • Chapter 8850. Bandera County River Authority And Groundwaterdistrict
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX SB2116

Identical Relating to the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.

Similar Bills

CA SB963

Water replenishment districts.

CA AB552

United Water Conservation District.

CA SB193

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AZ HCR2003

For-sale housing; development; groundwater replenishment

AZ HCR2043

Groundwater management; technical correction

AZ SB1595

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TX SB1268

Relating to the taxing power of the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District.

TX SB2319

Relating to the creation of a groundwater conservation district in a priority groundwater management area.