TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2441

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2441

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

Caption

Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The impact of SB2441 is significant as it delineates the responsibilities of the two commissions involved in the regulation of water and sewer services. The bill transfers all pertinent powers and functions, including the determination of rates and authority over certificates of convenience and necessity, to the newly empowered Water Public Utility Commission by September 1, 2024. Furthermore, existing obligations and contracts will be transferred and maintained under the new framework, ensuring continuity of services while improving clarity in regulatory duties. This change is expected to streamline the regulatory process and enhance accountability in water management across Texas.

Summary

SB2441 focuses on the transfer of functions related to the economic regulation of water and sewer services from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel. This legislative shift aims to enhance the management and oversight of water utilities, with the intent of improving service delivery and addressing the unique challenges faced by the state's water infrastructure. By creating a more specialized entity to regulate these services, proponents believe that the bill will foster better regulatory oversight and facilitate more tailored responses to local water and sewer issues.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB2441 appears to be mixed. Supporters, including some legislators and water management advocates, see the bill as a necessary reform to improve the quality and efficiency of water services in the state. They argue that concentrating regulatory functions under a dedicated commission will lead to a more focused approach to addressing water issues. However, there are concerns about potential bureaucratic hurdles and the implications for local governance, as the regulatory transition may create uncertainty among existing utility providers and consumers regarding how these changes will affect service pricing and availability.

Contention

Notable points of contention include fears from opposition groups regarding the potential for disruptions during the transition period from the Public Utility Commission to the Water Public Utility Commission. Critics worry that the new structure might reduce the responsiveness of regulatory bodies to specific local needs and conditions, as the focus shifts towards more centralized oversight. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding the bill's implications for rural communities, which may rely heavily on local governance structures for effective water management. The debate emphasizes the balance between improving regulatory frameworks and ensuring that local voices are not marginalized in the regulatory process.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Water Code

  • Chapter 11. Water Rights
    • Section: 041
  • Chapter 12. Provisions Generally Applicable To Water Rights
    • Section: 013
  • Chapter 13. Water Rates And Services
    • Section: 002
    • Section: 017
  • Chapter 49. Provisions Applicable To All Districts
    • Section: 352

Government Code

  • Chapter 2003. State Office Of Administrative Hearings
    • Section: 049

Special District Local Laws Code

  • Chapter 7201. Agua Special Utility District
    • Section: 004
    • Section: 005
    • Section: 102
  • Chapter 7886. Sebastian Municipal Utility District
    • Section: 0101
  • Chapter 7958. Rose City Municipal Utility District
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 8281. East Cedar Creek Fresh Water Supply District
    • Section: 103
  • Chapter 8363. Bearpen Creek Municipal Utility Districtof Hunt County
    • Section: 251
  • Chapter 8801. Harris-galveston Subsidence District
    • Section: 201
  • Chapter 8803. Starr County Groundwater Conservation District
    • Section: 151
  • Chapter 8808. Duval County Groundwater Conservation District
    • Section: 151
  • Chapter 11002. Lajitas Utility District No. 1 Of Brewster County
    • Section: 151

Latest SB2441 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3650

Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX HB1307

Relating to rates for water service, to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and to the duties of the Office of Public Utility Counsel regarding the economic regulation of water and sewer service.

TX SB567

Relating to rates for water service, to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and to the duties of the Office of Public Utility Counsel regarding the economic regulation of water and sewer service.

Similar Bills

TX HB10

Relating to the governance of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and an independent organization certified to manage a power region.

TX SB661

Relating to the continuation and functions, as applicable, of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas and to the transfer of certain functions from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas; imposing administrative penalties.

TX HB2715

Relating to the continuation of and powers and duties of the Office of Public Utility Counsel to represent residential and small commercial utility consumers.

TX HB1600

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to the transfer of certain functions from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to the rates for water service, and to the functions of the Office of Public Utility Counsel; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3754

Relating to powers and duties of the Office of Public Utility Counsel to represent residential and small commercial consumers in certain water or sewer utility service matters before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX HB3382

Relating to powers and duties of the Office of Public Utility Counsel to represent residential and small commercial consumers in certain water or sewer utility service matters before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX SB1164

Relating to powers and duties of the Office of Public Utility Counsel to represent residential and small commercial consumers in certain water or sewer utility service matters before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX SB2

Relating to the governance of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and an independent organization certified to manage a power region.