TX
Texas House Bill HB2505

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2505

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

Caption

Relating to the notification provided by a municipality to a retail public utility of the municipality's intent to provide water or sewer service in an incorporated or annexed area.

Impact

The amended legislation emphasizes procedural requirements to ensure that retail public utilities are properly notified of any municipal intent to provide services. This acts as a formalized means of communication and aims to provide clarity in the roles and responsibilities of both municipalities and utilities. The new requirement that municipalities must send a copy of the application for certification via certified mail or email underscores the need for documented communication and clear administrative processes between involved parties.

Summary

House Bill 2505 addresses the notification process required for municipalities intending to provide water or sewer services in incorporated or annexed areas. The bill amends Sections 13.255(b) and (b-1) of the Texas Water Code, outlining the steps municipalities must take should they decide to provide such services. If an agreement is not reached with a retail public utility within 180 days after notifying them of the intent, the municipality must file an application for single certification with the utility commission. This application is a prerequisite before the municipality can provide the necessary utility services to the area.

Contention

One notable aspect of the bill is the specific timeline established for municipalities, which must act within a defined period to pursue service oversight. The legislation’s goal includes preventing potential disputes over service provision and clarifying municipal authority in newly incorporated areas. However, this could spark contention among entities regarding the balance of power between local municipalities and retail public utilities, particularly in densely populated areas where multiple services may overlap in jurisdiction.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Water Code

  • Chapter 13. Water Rates And Services
    • Section: 255

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2441

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.

TX SB893

Relating to the correction of a certificate of public convenience and necessity for providing water or sewer service.

TX HB2442

Relating to certificates of public convenience and necessity issued to certain retail public utilities.

TX HB4039

Relating to the provision of municipal services to land annexed by a municipality for full purposes.

TX HB4275

Relating to territory in an emergency services district that is annexed by a municipality.

TX SB317

Relating to appellate jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission regarding certain water or sewer service fees.

TX HB4385

Relating to the provision of sewer service without a certificate of public convenience and necessity.

TX SB1334

Relating to rates established by municipalities for water or sewer service for certain entities.

TX HB3232

Relating to the suspension of an enforcement action against a regional water supply, sewer, or wastewater treatment service for a violation committed by a retail public utility being integrated into the regional service.

TX SB1406

Relating to the suspension of an enforcement action against a regional water supply, sewer, or wastewater treatment service for a violation committed by a retail public utility being integrated into the regional service.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.