Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1424

Filed

3/2/23

Out of Senate Committee

4/4/23

Voted on by Senate

4/11/23

Out of House Committee

5/10/23

Voted on by House

5/17/23

Governor Action

6/2/23

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the continuation and functions of the State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee.

Impact

Through this legislative measure, the State Soil and Water Conservation Board will continue its operations until at least September 1, 2035. It implements various changes aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Board's grant administration and management practices, particularly concerning the dam structural repair grant program. These changes address the increasing need for sustainable management of water resources and the implications of invasive species on Texas's environment. The bill demonstrates a commitment to enhancing public safety and environmental stewardship amidst growing ecological concerns.

Summary

SB1424 is an act that focuses on the continuation and functions of the State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee. This sunset bill ensures that both the Board and the Committee are maintained and provides provisions for the ongoing management of their respective duties. Notably, the bill addresses areas such as training for board members, complaint handling, and updates regarding the invasive species management efforts, which are essential for environmental governance in Texas.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB1424 has been overwhelmingly positive, with unanimous support observed in both the Senate and House votes. Legislators recognized the importance of the functions performed by the State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Invasive Species Coordinating Committee. Stakeholders have expressed gratitude for the bill's provisions, which are geared toward improving agency training and management standards while maintaining state regulatory oversight.

Contention

While there was widespread support for the bill, some advocates argued that the effectiveness of the Board and Committee could further enhance by allocating more resources towards community engagement and education on invasive species control. Discussions included varying opinions on the adequacy of current training protocols for board members and how best to tackle the challenges posed by invasive species and water conservation management. These points of contention underline a broader conversation about balancing regulatory oversight with on-the-ground environmental initiatives.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Agriculture Code

Chapter 201. Soil And Water Conservation
- Section: 0142
- Section: 019
- Section: 0231
- Section: 0227
- Section: New Section
- Section: 0142
- Section: 019
- Section: 0231
- Section: 0226
- Section: 0227
- Section: New Section
- Section: 0142
- Section: 019
- Section: 0231
- Section: 0226
- Section: 0227
- Section: New Section
- Section: 0142
- Section: 019
- Section: 0231
- Section: 0226
- Section: 0227
- Section: New Section
- Section: 0142
- Section: 019
- Section: 0231
- Section: 0226
- Section: 0227
- Section: New Section

Government Code

Chapter 776. Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee
- Section: 0051
- Section: 007
- Section: 004
- Section: 0051
- Section: 007
- Section: 0051
- Section: 007
- Section: 006
- Section: 004
- Section: 0051
- Section: 007
- Section: 0051
- Section: 007
- Section: 006
- Section: New Section

Latest SB1424 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HB1545

Identical Relating to the continuation and functions of the State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee.

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