Texas House Bill HB2268

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/30/25

Caption

Relating to the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to create certain special districts.

Impact

A notable aspect of HB 2268 is its expiration clause, which states that the commission's authority to create these districts will expire on September 1, 2025. This timeline is crucial as it introduces a sense of urgency for local governments and stakeholders who may wish to petition for the establishment of new districts before the deadline. After the expiration, any pending petitions will be governed by the laws in effect at the time of their filing, ensuring continuity for those already in progress.

Summary

House Bill 2268 pertains to the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) concerning the creation of certain special districts. The bill proposes amendments to various sections of the Local Government Code and the Water Code, effectively addressing the TCEQ's power to create, confirm, or order the establishment of municipal management districts, utility districts, and other related districts. This legislative initiative aligns the district creation processes with specific timelines and sets limitations on the duration of these authorities.

Contention

While the bill appears to streamline district creation under the TCEQ, it may also spark significant debate regarding the implications for local governance and environmental management. Critics may express concerns about the reduction of local control over water resources and land management when the ability to create districts is consolidated under state authority. This legislative change could provoke discussions on the need for local tailored solutions versus the efficiency of a standardized state-level process.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Local Government Code

• Chapter 42. Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Of Municipalities
  • Section: 042

• Chapter 375. Municipal Management Districts In General
  • Section: New Section

Water Code

• Chapter 51. Water Control And Improvement Districts
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 54. Municipal Utility Districts
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 55. Water Improvement Districts
  • Section: New Section