TWCA Bills of Interest Passed (80th Texas Legislature)
197-428-B-25 Goodson Bill Status Report 06-27-2007 - 23:26:41
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| |
HB 3 |
Puente
Averitt
|
Relating to the management of the water resources of the state, including the protection of instream flows and freshwater inflows, and to the management of groundwater regulated by the Edwards Aquifer Authority. |
| General Remarks: |
Article 1 is the comprehensive "e-flows" legislation establishing a process for protecting needed flows for Texas rivers and bay systems against new appropriations of surface water. This legislation is the result of negotiations between TWCA and environmental interests over the last few years. Article 2 is the negotiated bill amending the enabling legislation of the Edwards Aquifer Authority. Both of these articles are also contained in SB3. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 1, Water Code, is amended to recognize that voluntary land stewardship, such as land and habitat management, wildlife conservation, and watershed protection, result in a benefit to the natural resources of this state and to the general public. Chapter 10, Water Code, is added to create a Water Conservation Advisory Council, composed of 17 members appointed by the TWDB, to monitor and further develop water conservation initiatives. Chapter 11, Water Code, is amended to define "best management practices". Chapter 13, Water Code, is amended to require each retail public utility that provides water service to 3,300 or more connections to submit a water conservation plan to the TWDB. Chapter 16, Water Code, is amended to require the TWDB to develop and implement a statewide water conservation public awareness program, and to require annual progress reports for entities required to submit water conservation plans. The TWDB and TCEQ are required to jointly adopt rules identifying minimum requirements and submission deadlines for annual progress reports. Other Codes are amended related to rainwater harvesting. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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| General Remarks: |
Track only. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 147 |
Phillips
Seliger
|
Relating to the deferral of an administrative penalty imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality against certain utilities and districts. |
| General Remarks: |
The bill as finally passed amends Chapter 7, Water Code, to authorize the TCEQ to defer all of part of an administrative assessed against a municipally-owned utility, a water supply or sewer service corporation, or a water district, based on factors contained in the bill. |
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
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| |
HB 149 |
Phillips
Estes
|
Relating to rates charged for water or sewer services by an entity that takes over a nonfunctioning water or sewer system. |
| General Remarks: |
The bill as finally passed amends Chapter 13, Water Code, to require the TCEQ by rule to establish a streamlined procedure that allows a retail public utility that takes over a nonfunctioning utility to obtain approval to charge a reasonable rate to bring the system into compliance with TCEQ rules. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 386 |
Callegari
Hegar
|
Relating to the repeal of the law creating the Texas Deepwater Port Authority. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 19, Water Code, authorizing the creation of the Texas Deepwater Port Authority, is repealed. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 447 |
Callegari
Jackson, Mike
|
Relating to contracts by governmental entities and related professional services and to public works performance and payment bonds. |
| Companions: |
SB 356 (Identical)
|
| General Remarks: |
Alternatives to low-bid delivery of construction projects, currently contained in numerous codes such as the Education Code, the Local Government Code, and the Government Code, are consolidated into a new Chapter 2264 of the Government Code. Their applicability is also expanded. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Vetoed by the Governor
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HB 462 |
Miller
Fraser
|
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to collect an infrastructure fee from certain governmental entities. |
| General Remarks: |
Section 430, Local Government Code, currently prohibits a county, municipality or utility district from collecting from a state agency or public institution of higher education any fee charged for the development or maintenance of facilities for the control of excess water or storm water. This bill would exempt from that provision a municipality with a population of 25,000 or less through which the Bosque River runs. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 536 |
Truitt
Wentworth
|
Relating to the consent required for a municipality to annex a water or sewer district. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 43, Local Government Code, is amended to establish an annexation procedure for a specific set of facts relating to annexation of an area in a water or sewer district that is wholly or partly in the overlapping ETJ of two or more municipalities. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 556 |
Hilderbran
Fraser
|
Relating to the requirements for accessibility to voting equipment by persons with disabilities in certain elections and reimbursement from state funds for costs associated with a special election held statewide. |
| General Remarks: |
Amends the enabling act of the Hickory UWCD No. 1 to exempt the district from the reqt to provide handicapped accessible voting machines in its elections. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 49, Water Code, is amended to require a district, for a contract over $250,000, to accept a bid bond in the amount required by the district as a bid deposit if the bid bond meets certain other requirements. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 604 |
Howard, Donna
Wentworth
|
Relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of certain land used for wildlife management under a conservation easement. |
| Companions: |
SB 133 (Identical)
|
| General Remarks: |
The Tax Code is amended to ensure that land devoted principally to wildlife management to the degree generally accepted in the area qualifies for appraisal as open-space land regardless of the manner in which the land was used the preceding year. The definition of "wildlife management" is expanded. |
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01-01-08 G Earliest effective date
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HB 713 |
Callegari
Seliger
|
Relating to the authority of a fresh water supply district to issue bonds or to enter into a contract to convey property to another water district or water supply corporation. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 53, Water Code, is amended to authorize a fresh water supply district to enter into a contract with another water district or water supply corporation to acquire through various means, maintain, improve and convey water, wastewater, and drainage facilities. A fresh water supply district may issue bonds and secure indebtedness for any purpose authorized by Chapter 53 or Chapter 49, Water Code. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 891 |
Hilderbran
Fraser
|
Relating to water rights Permit No. 5394A issued to the Upper Guadalupe River Authority. |
| Companions: |
SB 713 (Identical)
|
| General Remarks: |
A special condition in the permit is voided. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 899 |
Smith, Wayne
Deuell
|
Relating to the operation and functions of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and the regulation of the practice of engineering. |
| Companions: |
SB 320 (Identical)
|
| General Remarks: |
The Occupations Code is amended relating to travel expenses and the appointment of officers of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers. An engineer 65 years of age or older is exempted from certain license renewal fees. See also SB320. |
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| Companions: |
SB 486 (Identical)
|
| General Remarks: |
Track only. |
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Section 5.128(a), Water Code, is amended to authorize the TCEQ to adjust fees as necessary to encourage electronic reporting and the use of the TCEQ's electronic document retrieving system. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 2252, Government Code, is amended. A governmental contract may not provide for the award of attorney's fees to the governmental entity in a dispute in which the entity prevails unless the contract provides for the award of attorney's fees to each party to the contract if that party prevails in the dispute. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
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| |
HB 1311 |
Bonnen
Janek
|
Relating to requiring certain municipalities to disannex land owned by a navigation district. |
| General Remarks: |
This is a bracketed bill requiring a municipality to disannex land owned by a navigation district. |
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05-23-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 1312 |
Bonnen
Janek
|
Relating to the annexation by certain municipalities of land owned by a navigation district. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 43, Local Government Code, is amended requiring a city with a population less than 50,000 to obtain consent of a navigation district before annexing land owned by the district. See also HB 1311. |
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05-23-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Section 412.007, Local Government Code, is amended to authorize a county with a population of 3.3 million or more under certain circumstances to prohibit a person from installing an on-site sewage disposal system or a water well when the lot has access to a water or sewer system. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 341, Health and Safety Code, is amended to require sufficient water pressure for service to fire hydrants to certain residential areas served by an investor-owned utility within a municipality with a population of 1,000,000 or more. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
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| |
HB 1471 |
Hancock
Brimer
|
Relating to resource sharing among certain political subdivisions, including regional planning commissions, during a disaster. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended to authorize the sharing of resources bu local entities during declared emergencies. A political subdivision that borrows equipment or other insured property must obtain appropriate insurance coverage. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 1495 |
Callegari
Nichols
|
Relating to a bill of rights for property owners whose property may be acquired by governmental or private entities through the use of eminent domain authority. |
| General Remarks: |
This bill is cited as the Landowner's Bill of Rights Act. Chapter 402, Government Code, is amended to require the Attorney General to prepare a bill of rights for a property owner whose property may be acquired through the use of eminent domain. Chapter 21, Property Code, is amended to require a governmental or private entity, before initiating negotiations with a property onwer to acquire real property, to provide the property owner with the landowner's bill of rights. |
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| Bill History: |
02-01-08 G Earliest effective date
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| |
HB 1498 |
Hopson
Eltife
|
Relating to the creation of the Panola County Groundwater Conservation District. |
| General Remarks: |
The Panola County Groundwater Conservation District is created coextensive with the boundaries of Panola County. A confirmation election is required. The district will operate generally under Chapter 36, Water Code. The bill contains limitations on both the tax rate and production fees. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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| |
HB 1565 |
Puente
Uresti
|
Relating to the powers and duties of the Bexar Metropolitan Water District. |
| General Remarks: |
The enabling legislation of the Bexar Metropolitan Water District is amended to require the district to provide numerous reports, to require the TCEQ to perform a management audit of the district, and to establish an oversight committee for the district. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 1652 |
Macias
Fraser
|
Relating to the provision of forms for personal financial statements filed with the Texas Ethics Commission. |
| General Remarks: |
Section 572.030, Government Code, is amended to require the Ethics Commission to provide notice to state officials of requirements to file financial statements. Officials to receive notice include board members of river authorities. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 401, Local Government Code, is amended to require a municipality with a population of 20,000 or more to adopt and enforce standards for the design, installation and operation of a(landscape) irrigation system consistent with the State program already administered by the TCEQ. Chapter 49, Water Code, is amended to provide a water district with similar permissive authority. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 1841 |
Bonnen
Janek
|
Relating to the presumption of validity of an act or proceeding of a navigation district, its governing body, or certain corporations of the district. |
| General Remarks: |
Track only. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 1886 |
Callegari
West, Royce
|
Relating to the procurement methods of certain political subdivisions and certain other entities for the construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of certain projects. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 271, Local Government Code, is amended to establish design-build procedures for local governments for civil works projects, including water and wastewater. The applicability of the procedures are phased in over the next four years based on the population of an entity's service area. The number of projects for which a local government may use these procedures annually is also limited based on population. |
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Various codes are amended to ensure that entities make a bona fide offer to acquire property voluntarily before exercising eminent domain and to require that property is only taken for a public use. The governing body of a governmental entity must take an official action before exercising eminent domain. A property owner may construct streets or roads over easements over their property. A property owner must be given an opportunity to repurchase condemned property under certain conditions. Condemnation actions for the state highway system that diminish the value of property as a result of reduced access may require compensation (some suggest the Governor may veto the bill as a result of this provision). |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Vetoed by the Governor
|
| |
HB 2018 |
Brown, Betty
Deuell
|
Relating to eligibility for a municipal setting designation related to potential impacts to groundwater quality of solid waste activities. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 361, Health and Safety Code, is amended to remove the limitation on the size of a city within which a municpal setting designation may occur. |
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05-25-07 G Earliest effective date
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HB 2070 |
Guillen
Zaffirini
|
Relating to the confirmation election of the Duval County Groundwater Conservation District. |
| General Remarks: |
Extends the time to confirm the Duval County Groundwater Conservation District to September 1, 2009. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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| |
HB 2072 |
Guillen
Zaffirini
|
Relating to the appointment of temporary directors and the confirmation election of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District. |
| General Remarks: |
Legislation authorizing the creation of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District is amended to dissolve the district if not confirmed by September 1, 2009, and to provide for appointment of temporary directors. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 2365 |
Truitt
Duncan
|
Relating to financial accounting and reporting for this state and political subdivisions of this state. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 2264, Government Code, is amended to require the state and each political subdivision of the state to use certain financial accounting and reporting standards. A modified accrual method may be used for certain finanacial activities. Accounting for post-employment benefits is also addressed. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 2482 |
Cook, Robby
Estes
|
Relating to the requirements regarding persons who service or maintain on-site sewage disposal systems. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 366, Health and Safety Code, is amended to provide the TCEQ with more discretion to establish conditions under which the owner of an on-site sewage disposal system using aerobic treatment may maintain in lieu of entering into a maintenance contract. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 2564 |
Hancock
Wentworth
|
Relating to the authority of a governmental body to require the payment of a charge before complying with certain requests for the production of public information or for copies of public information. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 552, Government Code, is amended to authorize a governmental body to impose reasonable limits on the time spent responding to requests for information. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 2618 |
Guillen
Zaffirini
|
Relating to authorizing political subdivisions to lease property owned by the political subdivision to other governmental entities without following competitive purchasing procedures. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 272, Local Government Code, is amended to authorize a governmental entity under certain circumstances to lease property to another political subdivision without using competitive bidding procedures. |
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05-25-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 2654 |
Puente
Duncan
|
Relating to the regulation of the use of an injection well to inject nonhazardous brine from a desalination operation or to inject nonhazardous drinking water treatment residuals. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 27, Water Code, is amended to authorize the TCEQ to issue a general permit for the use of a Class I injection well to inject non-hazardous brine from a desalination operation or to inject non-hazardous drinking water residuals. |
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 2910 |
Gattis
Ogden
|
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to regulate certain quarry activities. |
| General Remarks: |
This is a bracketed bill applying only to a quarry owned or leased by a particular municipality and located within the boundaries of another municipality. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 53, Water Code, is amended to modify the requisites for a petition to create a fresh water supply district. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
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| General Remarks: |
Chapter 53, Water Code, is amended to require that to be qualified for election as a supervisor to a fresh water supply district, a person must be a resident of Texas, an owner of taxable property in the district, and at least 18 years if age. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Provisions for water treatment specialists in the Health and Safety Code are moved to the Occupations Code. |
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06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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| |
HB 3098 |
Puente
Averitt
|
Relating to the fees imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in connection with plans that are subject to review and approval under the commission's rules for the protection of the Edwards Aquifer. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 26, Water Code, is amended to increase the cap on fees the TCEQ may impose for water pollution abatement plans and plans for sewage collection systems, and to further authorize the collection of fees for contribuing zone plans. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 3353 |
Haggerty
Shapleigh
|
Relating to the repeal of the authority of certain water supply or sewer service corporations to dissolve and transfer assets and liabilities to a municipality. |
| General Remarks: |
Subchapter B, Chapter 67, Water Code, relating to the authority to dissolve a water supply corporation and transfer the assets to a municipality, is repealed. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
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| |
HB 3378 |
Truitt
Brimer
|
Relating to the requirements governing municipal consent to the creation or expansion of certain water districts. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 54, Water Code, relating to municipal utility districts, is amended to authorize a certain city, in its written consent to the inclusion of land in a district, to require a district water facility to meet fire flow requirements adopted by the city. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 3475 |
Gallego
Uresti
|
Relating to the authority of certain counties to acquire, construct, or operate a water supply system or sewage system and own or operate a utility. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 412, Local Government Code, is amended to authorize certain counties along the Rio Grande to operate a water or sewer system in the same manner as a municipality. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
The authority of a municipality to use the competitive sealed proposal procedure is expanded to the purchase of all goods or services. |
| Track Code(s): |
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 3693 |
Straus
Fraser
|
Relating to energy demand, energy load, energy efficiency incentives, energy programs, and energy performance measures. |
| General Remarks: |
The Education, Government, Health and Safety, and Utilities Codes are amended to require governmental entities to adopt energy efficiency programs. Local governments are required to record and report the consumption and cost for electricity, natural gas, and water on a publicly accessible internet web site, or at another publicly accessible location. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 3770 |
Puente
Hegar
|
Relating to the acquisition of road powers by a municipal utility district. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 54, Water Code, is amended to further specify the authority of a municipal utility district to design, construct, and finance roads. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
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| |
HB 3776 |
Puente
Averitt
|
Relating to the authority of the Texas Water Development Board to approve the regional water plan for Region L and include the plan in the state water plan. |
| General Remarks: |
The TWDB is authorized to approve the late-filed Region L Water Plan under certain conditions. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Numerous changes are made to the Texas Uranium, Surface Mining, and Reclamation Act, particularly related to exploration wells associated with in situ mining activites. Monitor wells and rig supply wells used in conjunction with exploration are subject to certain requirements of groundwater conservation districts when the cumulative amount of water produced at one facility in any one year exceeds 40 acre-feet. |
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09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 3995 |
Chisum
Duncan
|
Relating to the name, administration, powers, and duties of the Collingsworth County Underground Water Conservation District. |
| General Remarks: |
The enabling legislation of the district is amended to alter the make-up of the Board, allow the district to change its name, and update statutory references. |
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 4009 |
Hilderbran
Uresti
|
Relating to the name, directors, and elections of the Emerald Underground Water Conservation District. |
| General Remarks: |
The name of the Emerald Underground Water Conservation District is changed to the Crockett County Groundwater Conservation District. Provisions related to director qualifications and elections are also changed. |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 4028 |
Geren
Brimer
|
Relating to the creation of the Northern Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. |
| General Remarks: |
THe Northern Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, coextensive with the boundaries of Tarrant County, is created. No confirmation election is required. The district has the powers and duties provided by Chapter 36, Water Code, except the district does not have the power of eminent domain or the authority to impose a tax or issue bonds. |
| Track Code(s): |
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TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
HB 4029 |
Morrison
Hegar
|
Relating to the creation of the Lavaca County Groundwater Conservation District. |
| General Remarks: |
The Lavaca County Groundwater Conservation District is authorized for creation subject to a confirmation election. The district generally has the powers and duties as provided by Chapter 36, Watr Code. The district may not require metering of exempt wells. The district may not exercise the power of eminent domain. Wells completed before the district adopts spacing rules are not subject to spacing requirements. Taxes may not exceed five cents per $100 of valuation. |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
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TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
The Colorado County Groundwater Conservation District is created contingent on a confirmation election. The powers and duties of the district are generally consistent with Chapter 36, Water Code, with a few exceptions. For example the district is not granted the power of eminent domain. The district's tax rate may not exceed three cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Certain acts of the 77th legislature in 2001 are repealed. |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
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TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
The enabling legislation of the Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District is amended to authorize the district to impose certain production and export fees. Limits on the district's authority to impose fees or require meters for domestic and agricultural wells are clarified. |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 3 |
Averitt
Puente
|
Relating to the development, management, and preservation of the water resources of the state. |
| General Remarks: |
This omnibus water bill creates a local stakeholder driven process to develop recommemdations for providing needed flows for rivers and bay systems for wildlife, promotes water conservation and land stewardship, and protects future reservoir sites and unique stream segments from certain future actions. Protections for landowners in designated reservoir sites are provided. Relating to groundwater, the bill amends the enabling legislation of the Edwards Aquifer Authority, creates the Tablerock Groundwater Conservation District in Coryell County, expands the boundaries of the Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District, and provides additional authority for groundwater districts in the Hill Country PGMA to regulate the pumping of groundwater into lakes for appearance purposes. The bill also abolishes the Texas Water Advisory Council and creates a joint interim committee to review alternatives for water infrastructure finanacing. Many of these provisions are also contained in HB3 and HB4. Numerous other issues are addressed in SB3. |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
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| Bill History: |
06-16-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 61 |
Zaffirini
McClendon
|
Relating to the performance of the functions of the governing body of a political subdivision in the event of a disaster. |
| General Remarks: |
Provides for certain relaxed reqts so that a govt entity located in a declared disaster area can continue its operations following a catastrophic event. Allows govt entity to: 1) delegate any administrative duty of the governing body or any employee, 2) establish orders of succession for essential functions, and 3) establish mtg procedures. Also allows the govt entity to meet in numbers less than a quorum. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 178 |
Wentworth
Rose
|
Relating to working papers and electronic communications of State Office of Administrative Hearings administrative law judges. |
| General Remarks: |
Section 152, Government Code, is amended to except certain electronic communications of an administrative law judge at SOAH from public disclosure requirements. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
The enabling legislation of the Bee Groundwater Conservation District is codified in the Special District Local Laws Code. |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
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| Bill History: |
05-23-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 484 |
Fraser
King, Phil
|
Relating to the powers, duties, and composition of the electric utility restructuring legislative oversight committee. |
| General Remarks: |
Track only. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
05-23-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 592 |
Wentworth
Parker
|
Relating to special notice to the news media of the meeting of a governmental body in certain situations under the open meetings law. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 551, Government Code, is amended to allow notice to the news media of certain emergency meetings by telephone, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 610 |
Duncan
Heflin
|
Relating to the boundaries, powers, and governance of the Salt Fork Water Quality District. |
| General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 616 |
Duncan
Puente
|
Relating to the protection and use of intellectual property by the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 6, Water Code, is amended to authorize the TWDB to obtain a patent, copyright, trademark or other protections for intellectual property. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 657 |
Seliger
Puente
|
Relating to the threshold amount at which certain water districts are required to solicit competitive bids before awarding certain contracts and to the ability of such districts to enter those contracts. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 49, Water Code, is amended to raise the thresholds for advertising and bidding requirements from $15,000/$25,000 to $25,000/$50,000. The newspaper notice requirement is reduced from three to two consecutive weeks. |
| Track Code(s): |
Dean's Priority List,
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TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 662 |
Wentworth
Hilderbran
|
Relating to transmittal to the Texas Water Development Board and a local groundwater conservation district of certain information by a person applying to subdivide a tract of land. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapters 212 and 232, Local Government Code, currently provide that a city or county may require a person submitting a plat for a subdvision involving the use of groundwater to provide certification of the availabiltiy of groundwater for the project. The TCEQ is authorized to establish the appropriate form and content of the certification. This bill directs the TCEQ, in consultation with the TWDB, to further require that the subdivider provide useful information to the TWDB and to any applicable groundwater district. |
| Track Code(s): |
(Master List Only),
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
Section 402.044, Local Government Code, relating to municipal drainage systems, is amended to modify a bracketed provision allowing the extension of a drainage utility service area outside of municipal boundaries. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 707 |
Lucio
Flores
|
Relating to the powers and duties of the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority and the establishment of a member conference. |
| General Remarks: |
The enabling legislation of the authority is amended. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 714 |
Fraser
Puente
|
Relating to reports regarding certain water wells required by a groundwater conservation district. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 36, Water Code, is amended to authorize a groundwater district to require water use reporting from the owner or operator of a well that is required to be registered with or permitted by the district, except for a well used for domestic or livestock purposes and exempt under Section 36.117(b)(1). |
| Track Code(s): |
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 747 |
Watson
Bolton
|
Relating to the authority of the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District to charge certain fees and limit groundwater production during a drought. |
| General Remarks: |
The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is removed from fee provisions in Chapter 36, Water Code. The enabling legislation of the district is amended to authorize higher production fees for new non-agricultural use permits and certain permits to be renewed. Restrictions on permitting during drought conditions are prescribed. |
| Track Code(s): |
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 781 |
Lucio
Pickett
|
Relating to remedies available if a subdivider fails to provide water or sewer services in certain subdivisions near an international border. |
| General Remarks: |
Section 232.038, Local Government Code, is amended to increase damages recoverable from a subdivider that does not provide required water and sewer services in an economically distressed area. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1012 |
Williams
Eissler
|
Relating to the establishment of regional participation agreements between certain municipalities and districts. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 43, Local Government Code, is amended to authorize regional participation agreements to authorize certain regional participation agreements. The bill is bracketed to apply only to a certain city and special district. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
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| Bill History: |
05-14-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1037 |
Duncan
Darby
|
Relating to the prevention of surface water or groundwater pollution from certain evaporation pits. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 26, Water Code, is amended to establish regulatory requirements for evaporation pits operated for the commercial production of brine water, minerals, salts, or other substances that naturally occur therein and that are not regulated by the Railroad Commission. |
| Track Code(s): |
Dean's Priority List,
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1207 |
Hegar
Smith, Wayne
|
Relating to the removal by the county commissioners court of appointed special district board members who engage in misconduct. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 177 is added to the Local Govt Code to authorize a county commissioners court to remove a director it appointed to a board of a special district located wholly or partly within that county if the director is guilty of "misconduct." "Misconduct" is defined. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1271 |
West, Royce
Giddings
|
Relating to county authority to acquire a water or sewer utility system and provide water and sewer services within a municipality. |
| General Remarks: |
Section 412.016, Local Government Code, is amended to authorize a county, with the approval of the municipality, to own and operate a water or sewer utility within the municipality. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1306 |
Wentworth
Goolsby
|
Relating to the attendance by a quorum of a governmental body at certain events under the open meetings law. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 551, Government Code, is amended to exclude a ceremonial meeting or press conference from the requirements of open meetings provisions. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
05-22-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1383 |
Seliger
Smithee
|
Relating to district hearings and citizen suits for illegally drilling or operating a water well. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 36, Water Code, is amended to clarify the authority for a civil suit against the owner of a well drilled or operated without a required permit or producing groundwater in violation of a groundwater district rule. A suit may be brought by an adjacent landowner, or a person who has a right to produce groundwater within one-half mile of the well in question, to stop the illegal activity and for damages. |
| Track Code(s): |
(Master List Only),
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| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1436 |
West, Royce
Creighton
|
Relating to the transfer of responsibility for the National Flood Insurance Program from the Commission on Environmental Quality to the Water Development Board. |
| General Remarks: |
The National Flood Insurance Program is transferred from the TCEQ to the TWDB, and funding is increased by $3.05 million annually. |
| Track Code(s): |
Dean's Priority List,
All Bills Of Interest,
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| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1526 |
Hegar
Guillen
|
Relating to regulation by the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District of the construction of drainage facilities or improvements. |
| General Remarks: |
The enabling legislation of the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District is amended. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1613 |
Duncan
Hilderbran
|
Relating to the payment of damages awarded against members of local governments, including directors of soil and water conservation districts. |
| General Remarks: |
Chapter 201, Agriculture Code, is amended to provide immunity from individual liability for directors of soil and water conservaion districts for any act incident to their responsibilities. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1762 |
Shapleigh
Guillen
|
Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board regarding the impact of climate change on surface water supplies from the portion of the Rio Grande in Texas subject to the Rio Grande Compact. |
| General Remarks: |
The TWDB, in consultation with the Far West Texas Regional Planning group, is required to conduct a study regarding the possible impact of climate change on surface water supplies from the Rio Grande. |
| Track Code(s): |
Dean's Priority List,
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Priority Bills Passed,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1833 |
Duncan
Swinford
|
Relating to the administration and powers of the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority. |
| General Remarks: |
Track only. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
09-01-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1950 |
Duncan
Hardcastle
|
Relating to the name, governing body, and boundaries of the Tri-County Groundwater Conservation District. |
| General Remarks: |
The Tri-County Groundwater Conservation District is renamed the Gateway Groundwater Conservation District and the district will now include only Foard and Hardeman Counties (Wilbarger County is removed). |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
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| Bill History: |
05-23-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1981 |
Hegar
Cook, Robby
|
Relating to the terms of office for directors of the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District. |
| General Remarks: |
A section of the enabling act of the district is repealed. |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
TGWA Legislative Committee,
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| Bill History: |
05-23-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| General Remarks: |
The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District is created co-extensive with the boundaries of Hood, Montague, Parker and Wise Counties. A confirmation election is required. The district will operate generally under Chapter 36, Water Code, with certain exceptions. The district will not have taxing authority. Fees may not exceed $1 per acre-foot annually for groundwater used for agriculture and $0.30 per thousand gallons for groundwater used for other purposes. |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
TGWA Legislative Committee,
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Priority Bills Passed,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 1985 |
Averitt
Dunnam
|
Relating to the creation of the McLennan County Groundwater Conservation District. |
| General Remarks: |
The McLennan County Groundwater District is created coextensive with the boundaries of McLennan County. A confirmation election is required. The district will operate generally under Chapter 36, Water Code. The TCEQ is directed to dissolve the district as soon as practicable after September 1, 2011, if the district boundaries at that time do not include at least one county adjacent to McLennan county. The district may not impose a user fee for agricultural use that is more tha 20% of the fee imposed for municipal use. |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
TGWA Legislative Committee,
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Priority Bills Passed,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SB 2029 |
Zaffirini
Garcia
|
Relating to the election of directors of the San Patricio County Groundwater Conservation District and to the validation of certain acts of the district. |
| General Remarks: |
Procedures for the election of directors of the San Patricio County Groundwater District by precinct are specified. Certain acts of the district are validated. |
| Track Code(s): |
TGWA- Bills Passed,
TGWA Legislative Committee,
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
06-15-07 G Earliest effective date
|
| |
SJR 20 |
Lucio
Chavez
|
Relating to the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Water Development Board to provide assistance to economically distressed areas. |
| General Remarks: |
A constitutional amendment is proposed to authorize the TWDB to issue additional general obligation bonds for the economically distressed areas program in an amount not to exceed $250 million. |
| Track Code(s): |
All Bills Of Interest,
TWCA- Bills of Interest Passed |
| Bill History: |
11-06-07 G Election date
|
