| |
|
|
|
TWCA Bills of Interest Passed (81st Texas Legislature)
06-24-2009 - 09:59:12
| |
HB 469
 |
King, Phil
Seliger
|
Relating to the
establishment of incentives by this state for the
implementation of certain projects to capture and
sequester carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted
into the atmosphere. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 490, Government
Code, is amended to authorize the comptroller to issue a
franchise tax credit for a clean energy project. Various
other codes are amended to address the requirements for
a new electric generating facility to qualify as a clean
energy project. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 551
|
Madden
Harris
|
Relating to the
electronic transmission of a federal postcard
application used for voting. |
|
General Remarks: |
Section 101, Election Code,
is amended to authorize persons eligible for early
voting via a "federal postcard application" to submit
the application by mail or electronically. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 834 |
Hegar |
(Identical) |
|
3- 4-09 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
Natural Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The date for electing
directors is changed. |
|
Last Action: |
5-12-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 783
|
Pickett
Shapleigh
|
Relating to the liability
of an electric utility that allows recreational use of
land that the utility owns, occupies, or leases. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 75, Civil Practices
and Remedies Code, is amended to limit the liability of
certain electric utilities that sign an agreement with a
political subdivision to allow for public access or use
of the premises for recreation. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Cahpter 7, Water Code, is
amended to specify the penalties for outdoor burning as
prohibited under Section 382.018, Health and Safety
Code. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 865
|
Swinford
Hegar
|
Relating to the
establishment of the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating
Committee. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 691 |
Hegar |
(Identical) |
|
4-20-09 S
Committee action pending Senate Agriculture and
Rural Affairs |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 776, Government
Code, is added to create the Texas Invasive Species
Coordinating Committee, consisting of representatives of
named state agencies, to facilitate governmental
efforts, including efforts of local governments and
special districts, to prevent and manage invasive
species. The committee will be staffed by the State Soil
and Water Conservation Board. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 624 |
West |
(Identical) |
|
2-23-09 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
Intergovernmental Relations |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Various codes are amended
to raise the threshold that triggers competitive bidding
for local governments to $50,000. Other minor changes
are made. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1174
|
Hartnett
Watson
|
Relating to payment by a
municipality or river authority for certain damages
caused by the municipality's or river authority's
operating of a sanitary sewer system. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 552, Local
Government Code, is amended to allow a municipality or a
river authority to pay actual property damages arising
from the backup of its sewer system regardless of
whether it is liable for the damages under Chapter 101,
Civil Practices and Remedies Code. The authorization
does not constitute a waiver of sovereign immnunity. The
bill does not apply to the Trinity River Authority, the
San Jacinto River Authority, the Sabine River Authority,
or the Lower Neches Valley Authority. The bill applies
to any damages occurring after March 1, 2007.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1295
|
Aycock
Averitt
|
Relating to notification
of an application related to a certificate of public
convenience and necessity for water or sewer service. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 13, Water Code, is
amended to require the TCEQ to provide notice of an
application for a CCN to each county and groundwater
district in the area proposed to be certified.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1433
|
Lucio III
Averitt
|
Relating to the amount of
the annual water quality fee imposed on holders of
wastewater discharge permits and on users of water. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 26, Water Code, is
amended to increase the maximum annual fee the TCEQ may
assess on a wastewater discharge permit, or a water
rights permit or contract, from $75,000 currently to
$100,000 on September 1, 2009. The fee will then be
adjusted for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index
on September 1 of each year up to a maximum of $150,000.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1518
|
Corte
Wentworth
|
Relating to the addition
of territory to and the amount of production fees
imposed by the Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater
Conservation District. |
|
General Remarks: |
The enabling legislation of
the district is amended to cap production fees on
non-exempt wells and to address procedures for the
inclusion of land in the district. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1579
|
Gonzales
Lucio
|
Relating to a county's
removal of flood water resulting from a natural disaster
in certain communities. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 561, Local
Government Code, is amended to authorize a county to
provide assistance in the removal of flood water from a
colonia. Colonia is defined. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1664
|
King, Phil
Estes
|
Relating to an exemption
for groundwater used for certain purposes from
production fees assessed by the Upper Trinity
Groundwater Conservation District. |
|
General Remarks: |
Water used by a fire
department or emergency services district for emergency
purposes is exempt from the district's production fees.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 26, Water Code, is
amended to allow an agency of a home rule municipality
with a population of one million or more to operate
mutiple reclaimed water faciliites as a system.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 2092 |
Duncan |
(Identical) |
|
4-23-09 S
Withdrawn from the Local Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The district's enabling
legislation is updated. The district operates in many
respects under Chapter 36, Water Code, and certain
subchapters of Chapter 49. Water Code. |
|
Last Action: |
5-23-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 2054 |
Williams |
(Identical) |
|
3-31-09 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
International Relations and Trade |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 60, Water Code, is
amended to raise the threshold for contracting without
using formal bidding procedures from $25,000 to $50,000.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2004
|
McCall
Ellis
|
Relating to a breach of
computer security involving sensitive personal
information and to the protection of sensitive personal
information and certain protected health information. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 1884 |
Ellis |
(Identical) |
|
5- 1-09 S Placed
on the Senate Intent Calendar for |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Government Code is
amended to require a state or local government to notify
an individual whose computerized personal information
has been acquired through a breach of system security by
an unauthorized person who may reasonably be expected to
commit identity theft. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 1190 |
Duncan |
(Identical) |
|
4- 7-09 S Placed
on the Senate Intent Calendar for |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 36, Water Code, is amended to clarify that a
groundwater district may enforce this chapter and its
rules "against any person". The bill further specifies
that limits on the amount of fees, costs, and penalties
contained in Chapter 36, or under a special law
governing a district operating under this chapter,
constitute a limit of liability in an enforcement action
against a governmental entity.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2259
|
Crownover
Duncan
|
Relating to the plugging
of inactive oil or gas wells and to standards for
electrical power lines serving certain oil and gas
facilities. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 1378 |
Duncan |
(Identical) |
|
5- 1-09 H Referred
to House Committee on House Energy Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 89, Natural
Resources Code, is amended to establish additional
requirements and deadlines for the for the plugging of
inactive oil and gas wells. Standards are established
for the extension of deadlines by the Railroad
Commission. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2310
|
Kuempel
Williams
|
Relating to the powers
and duties of the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation, including the power to issue emergency
orders and temporary and emergency licenses. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 2057 |
Williams |
(Identical) |
|
3-31-09 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
Business and Commerce |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 51, Occupations
Code, is amended relating to the general authority of
the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Issues
addressed include criteria for removal of advisory board
members; method of payment of fees; issuance of
emergency orders, subpoenas, and cease and desist
orders; license eligibility requirements; procedures for
placing a license on inactive statues; collection of
fees for adminstering a license examination; and, the
issuance of a temporary or emergency license.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2348
|
Dutton
Whitmire
|
Relating to a contract
between a water district and a municipality for the
provision of fire-fighting services in certain counties. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 49, Water Code, is
amended to authorize a district located in a county with
a population of 3.3 million and meeting other specific
conditions to be disannnexed from an emergency services
district. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2374
|
Guillen
Lucio
|
Relating to financial
assistance by the Texas Water Development Board for the
connection of residences in economically distressed
areas to public water supply and sanitary sewer systems. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 17, Water Code, is
amended to allow a political subdivision to use money
from the economically distressed areas account
administered by the TWDB to pay for indoor plumbing
costs to certain residences. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2548
|
Kuempel
Williams
|
Relating to membership of
certain advisory bodies to the Texas Department of
Licensing and Regulation. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 2056 |
Williams |
(Identical) |
|
3-31-09 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
Business and Commerce |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Laws relating to the TDLRs
authority to appoint adivsory boards are amended.
However, no specific changes are made to the chapters on
water well drillers and pump installers. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 2414 |
Deuell |
(Identical) |
|
3-31-09 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
Business and Commerce |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Track only. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2666
|
Ritter
Williams
|
Relating to the authority
of the Lower Neches Valley Authority to acquire, own,
operate, maintain, and improve the Devers Canal System,
its water rights, and associated property. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 913 |
Williams |
(Identical) |
|
4-23-09 S
Withdrawn from the Local Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The enabling legislation of
the Lower Neches Valley Authority is amended to
authorize it to acquire and own the Devers Canal System
and associated water rights, to operate, maintain, and
improve the system, and to enlarge and expand the system
east of the Trinity River in Chambers, Liberty and
Jefferson Counties. The LNVA may sell water for any
purpose approved by the TCEQ. The Chambers-Liberty
Counties Navigation District is given the right of first
refusal to sell water for non-irrigation purposes in
Chambers County outside of LNVA's boundaries.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-12-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 21, Property Code,
is amended to require an entity with eminent domain
authority to provide a landowner's bill of rights
statement to a landowner at least 7 days before making a
final offer. An entity must also provide a copy of the
bill of rights to a landowner before or at the same time
the entity first represents it has eminent domain
authority. |
|
Last Action: |
1-15-10 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2808
|
Thompson
West
|
Relating to the power of
a licensing authority to revoke, suspend, or deny a
license on the basis of certain criminal proceedings. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 224 |
West |
(Identical) |
|
4-30-09 S
Withdrawn from the Local Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 53, Occupations
Code, is amended to further specify when a licensing
authority may consider a person to have been convicted
of an offense. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2820
 |
Chisum
Wentworth
|
Relating to contracts by
governmental entities for professional services relating
to geoscience and landscape architecture. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 941 |
Wentworth |
(Identical) |
|
5- 5-09 H Meeting
set for 2:00 p.m. or final Adj./recess, JHR 140,
House State Affairs |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 2254, Government
Code, is amended to require the same procedures for
contracting with a professional geoscientist as are
required for other professional services. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Vetoed by the
Governor
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 3031
|
Keffer
Estes
|
Relating to the sale by
the Brazos River Authority of certain residential and
commercial leased lots and other real property in the
immediate vicinity of Possum Kingdom Lake. |
|
General Remarks: |
BRA is required to sell certain leased property and
undeveloped strips of property around Possum Kingdom
Lake.The future use of the property is restricted.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-27-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 3032
|
Keffer
Estes
|
Relating to the sale of
certain property at Possum Kingdom Lake by the Brazos
River Authority. |
|
General Remarks: |
BRA is required to sell
certain undeveloped "land-locked" property at Possum
Kingdom Lake to adjacent property owners under certain
terms and conditions. |
|
Last Action: |
5-27-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 1746 |
Harris |
(Identical) |
|
4-14-09 S Not
heard in committee Senate Committee on
Administration |
|
|
General Remarks: |
An advisory panel appointed
by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker is
created to conduct a study assessing current conditions
and making recommendations regarding boating safety,
including the impact of requiring boat owner liability
insurance and the effectiveness of law enforcement on
lakes and rivers. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Code of Criminal
Procedure is amended to add a groundwater district to
the list of entities elegible to acquire property that
comes into the posession of a law enforcement agency.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 3391
|
Harper-Brown
Hegar
|
Relating to the
continuation and functions of the Parks and Wildlife
Department; changing the elements of an offense. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 1010 |
Hegar |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-09 S
Committee action pending Senate Government
Organization |
|
|
General Remarks: |
This is the sunset bill for
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Section 7 of the
bill as finally passed amends Section 12.0011 of the
Parks and Wildlife Code to require a written response
from an agency with statewide jurisdiction that receives
written recommendations or information from TPWD
pursuant to that section. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 3544
|
Lucio III
Fraser
|
Relating to certain
actions and managing certain information, including
electronic notices by the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality, electronically stored
information, confidentiality of e-mail addresses. |
|
General Remarks: |
Various codes, including
Chapter 5, Water Code, are amended to further authorize
the use of electronic communications. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Track only. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 3861
|
Hopson
Nichols
|
Relating to the financing
by the Texas Water Development Board of the proposed
Lake Columbia reservoir project. |
|
General Remarks: |
The legislature makes
findings to ensure that the Lake Columbia reservoir
project is eleigible for state participation by the TWDB
for up to 50% of the total project costs. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 4043
|
Callegari
Hegar
|
Relating to notifications
to certain purchasers of real property that may be
located in an area subject to a certificate of
convenience and necessity for water or sewer service. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 13, Water Code, is
amended with respect to the requirement to notify a
puchaser of property withn a CCN. The exemption from
notification for property within a city is clarified to
apply only when the system is municiaplly owned.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 6, Water Code, is
amended to authorize the TWDB to purchase, donate, or
sell promotional items such as clothing. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 4231
|
Ritter
Eltife
|
Relating to the
conveyancing or transfer in this state of water imported
into this state from a source located outside this
state. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 11, Water Code, is
amended to authorize the use of the bed and banks of any
natural stream to transport water under contract
imported from out of state (except water imported from
Mexico). Water imported from out of state and
transported using the bed and banks is exempted from IBT
requirements. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
The bill as finally passed
relates primarily to windstorm insurance. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 4706
|
King, Tracy
Uresti
|
Relating to the
compensation of a member of the board of directors of
the Bexar-Medina-Atascosa Counties Water Control and
Improvement District No. 1. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 2108 |
Uresti |
(Identical) |
|
4-23-09 S
Withdrawn from the Local Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 4713
|
Miller, Doug
Wentworth
|
Relating to certain
exemptions from ad valorem taxes imposed by the Cow
Creek Groundwater Conservation District. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 2471 |
Wentworth |
(Identical) |
|
5- 5-09 S
Withdrawn from the Local Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The district may provide
for exemptions from property taxes as provided by
Section 11.32, Tax Code. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 4762
|
King, Tracy
Uresti
|
Relating to the territory
of and the validation of certain governmental acts and
proceedings of the Edwards Aquifer Authority. |
|
General Remarks: |
Several tracts are added to
the territory of the Edwards Aquifer Authority. Certain
acts of the Authority are validated. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
An election date is changed
and production fees are capped at 17 cents per thousand
gallons. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HJR 14
|
Corte
Duncan
|
Relating to the limiting
the public taking of private property, establishing the
national research university fund to fund emerging
research universities, and eliminating the higher
education fund. |
|
General Remarks: |
A constitutional amendment
is proposed to clarify that a taking of property for
"public use" does not include the taking of property for
transfer to a private entity for the primary purpose of
economic development or enhancement of tax revenues. The
amendment also proposes that on or after January 1,
2010, the legislature may enact a law granting the power
of eminent domain only on a two-thirds vote of each
house. |
|
Last Action: |
11- 3-09 G Election date
|
| |
SB 1
|
Ogden
Pitts
|
General Appropriations
Bill for the 2010-2011 biennium. |
|
General Remarks: |
Some of the highlights for water funding based on
issues debated during the session are as follows.
The TCEQ continues to receive approximately $9.4
million dollars per year in General Revenue to fund
existing water activities. The agency will also receive
an additional $2.5 million of General Revenue for the
biennium for enhancements to the dam safety program,
$0.5 million for a study of the management of the
Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, and $5.4 million for certain
administrative costs. The agency is expected to increase
fees (Consolidated Water Quality Fee, Water Use Fee,
Public Health Service Fee) deposited to Fund 153 by
approximately $18.7 million per year to fund agency
water programs. These three fees today generate
approximately $23 million per year. The fee package is
scheduled for consideration on the July 8th Commission
agenda.
The TWDB was authorized to issue an additional $470
million in bonds backed by new appropriations of $46.5
million. This was in addition to baseline appropriations
for debt service from the prior biennium for the
issuance of $312.7 million in bonds. That makes $782.7
million available overall in the coming biennium. The
environmental flows process authorized by SB3 was also
fully funded for the coming biennium.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 229
|
West
Callegari
|
Relating to the
procurement methods authorized for public projects by
certain local governments. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 667 |
Callegari |
(Identical) |
|
5- 1-09 S Received
in the Senate - Referred to Senate
Intergovernmental Relations |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Section 27.182, Local Government Code, is amended to
remove dated language regarding the phasing of
applicable provisions.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 361
|
Patrick, Dan
Callegari
|
Relating to the
requirement that water and sewer service providers
ensure operations during an extended power outage. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 13, Water Code, is
amended to require a provider of raw or potable water to
more than one customer and located in a county with a
population of 3.3 million or more (Harris) or in an
adjacent county with a population of 400,000 or more
(Fort Bend) to ensure the operation of its water system
during an extended power outage. An emergency
preparedness plan must be submitted to the TCEQ for
approval. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 637
|
Hegar
Zerwas
|
Relating to the creation
of the Wharton County Drainage District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 388 |
Zerwas |
(Identical) |
|
2-17-09 H
Introduced and referred to committee on House
Natural Resources |
|
HB 1782 |
Zerwas |
(Identical) |
|
5-22-09 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 637
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 77 |
Flynn |
(Identical) |
|
5-23-09 S Placed
on the Senate Intent Calendar for |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 2257, Government
Code, is amended to authorize the Comptroller to
establish a program to ensure that financial
institutions adequately collateralize deposits of public
funds. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 833 |
Miller, Sid |
(Identical) |
|
5-15-09 H
Withdrawn from the Local Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Tablerock Groundwater
Conservation District is dissoleved. |
|
Last Action: |
5-30-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1082 |
Laubenberg |
(Identical) |
|
5-12-09 S Received
in the Senate - Referred to Senate Committee on
Administration |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-12-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 726
|
Eltife
Hughes
|
Relating to the creation
of the Harrison County Groundwater Conservation
District. |
|
General Remarks: |
The Harrison County
Groundwater District is created subject to a
confirmation election.. The bill also creates the
Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District composed
of Ellis, Hill, Johnson and Somervell Counties.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 794
|
Fraser
Hilderbran
|
Relating to the
composition of the board of directors of the Central
Colorado River Authority. |
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 799
|
Williams
Otto
|
Relating to the powers
and duties of the Plum Creek Fresh Water Supply District
No. 1. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1368 |
Otto |
(Identical) |
|
4- 8-09 H
Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The district will operate
as a fresh water supply district under Chapters 49 and
53, Water Code. |
|
Last Action: |
5-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 33, Natural
Resources Code, is amended to require the Coastal
Coordination Council to meet twice a year rather than
quarterly. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 848
|
Nichols
Cook
|
Relating to the election,
and validation of acts, of members of the board of
directors of Anderson County Underground Water
Conservation District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 592 |
Cook |
(Identical) |
|
2-18-09 H
Introduced and referred to committee on House
Natural Resources |
|
HB 1683 |
Cook |
(Identical) |
|
5-12-09 S Received
in the Senate - Referred to Senate Committee on
Administration |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The election of directors
is changed to a uniform election date. Certain acts are
validated. |
|
Last Action: |
5-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 914
|
Williams
Otto
|
Relating to the powers
and duties of the Liberty Lakes Fresh Water Supply
District No.1. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1367 |
Otto |
(Identical) |
|
4- 9-09 H
Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2821 |
Chisum |
(Identical) |
|
4-14-09 H
Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 1002, Occupations
Code, relating to the Texas Board of Professional
Geoscientists, is amended to define "geoscience firm"
and "geoscientist in training", to establish a process
for prioritizing and addressing complaints, to establish
criteria for registration as a geoscientist in training,
and to prescribe how the board issues advisory opinions.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1003
|
Deuell
Flynn
|
Relating to the
continuation and functions of the Office of
State-Federal Relations and the administrative
attachment of that agency to the office of the governor. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1583 |
Flynn |
(Identical) |
|
4-27-09 H
Committee action pending House Border and
Intergovernmental Affairs |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 751, Government
Code, is amended to require an agency of the State or
any political subdivision, including a river authority,
to report to the Office of State-Federal Relations any
contract with a federal level government relations
consultant. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1040
|
Duncan
Smithee
|
Relating to the board of
directors of the Canadian River Municipal Water
Authority. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 3269 |
Smithee |
(Identical) |
|
4- 8-09 H
Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1204
|
Hegar
Kleinschmidt
|
Relating to the powers
and duties of the Bastrop Water Control and Improvement
District No. 2. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2602 |
Kleinschmidt |
(Identical) |
|
4-28-09 H
Committee action pending House Natural Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2340 |
Miller, Sid |
(Identical) |
|
5-15-09 H
Withdrawn from the Local Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The enabling legislation of
the district is amended primarily related to the
composition of the board and the election of directors
after annexation of territory. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1223
|
Eltife
Frost
|
Relating to the creation,
administration, powers, duties, and operation of the
Riverbend Water Resources District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2620 |
Frost |
(Identical) |
|
3-24-09 H
Committee action pending House Natural Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Riverbend Water
Resources District is created. The district is composed
of the cities of Annona, Avery, Dekalb, Hooks, Maud, New
Boston, Texarkana, and Wake Village, and the Red River
Redevelopment Authority. The district will operate
generally under Chapter 49, Water Code. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1253
|
Seliger
Smithee
|
Relating to the repeal of
the power of certain districts and water supply
corporations to allow the use of right-of-way easements
for certain energy-related purposes. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 3818 |
Smithee |
(Identical) |
|
5- 5-09 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 1253
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Section 49.2205, Water
Code, is repealed. This section permits a district or
wsc to allow others to use a right-of-way or easement
for the transmission of energy generated by a clean coal
project. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1260
|
Duncan
Darby
|
Relating to the
abolishment of the Lower Concho River Water and Soil
Conservation Authority. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2171 |
Darby |
(Identical) |
|
4- 8-09 H
Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Authority is abolished.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1271
|
Uresti
Hopson
|
Relating to the
requirement that an orthodontist or a prosthetist be
licensed as a device manufacturer if fabricating or
assembling without an order from certain health care
professionals. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 3336 |
Hopson |
(Identical) |
|
5-15-09 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 1271
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
See HB3366. |
|
Last Action: |
5-27-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1981 |
Rodriguez |
(Identical) |
|
4-28-09 H
Committee action pending House Natural Resources |
|
HB 2414 |
Bolton |
(Identical) |
|
3-11-09 H
Introduced and referred to committee on House
Natural Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 573, Local
Government Code, is amended to further extend the
applicability of the chapter to a county with a
population of 800,000 or more that contains a portion of
the Edwards Aquifer. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1360
|
Nichols
Hopson
|
Relating to the deadlines
for commencement and completion of the Lake Columbia
reservoir project. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2108 |
Hopson |
(Identical) |
|
5-12-09 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 1360
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Deadlines for the commencment and completion of the
completion of the Lake Columbia Reservoir project are
stricken from Permit No. 4228.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-23-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1629
|
Wentworth
Rose
|
Relating to the persons
exempted from the required prepayment of the personnel
costs incurred by a governmental body in responding to
requests from a requestor under the public information
law that require large amounts of time. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 4147 |
Rose |
(Identical) |
|
3-24-09 H
Introduced and referred to committee on House
State Affairs |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Government Code is
amended to further exempt the news media from
requirements to prepay a governmental body for personnel
costs incurred in responding to an open records request.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1693
|
Ogden
Cook
|
Relating to the
regulation of poultry facilities and poultry litter by
the State Soil and Water Conservation Board and to the
enforcement authority of the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapters 5, 7, and 26,
Water Code, are amended to authorize the payment of
penalties to the TCEQ by installment, to authorize the
delegation of certain enforcement authority to the
Executive Director, and to remove restrictions on the
collection and use of fees for water quality management.
Chapter 382, Health and Safety Code, and Chapter 26,
Water Code, are amended to address siting,
recordkeeping, and enforcement for a poultry facility.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1711
|
Hegar
Frost
|
Relating to the use of
reservoirs for sediment control or to satisfy
environmental and safety requirements at surface mining
operations. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 11, Water Code, is
amended to authorize a person, without obtaining a
permit, to construct a reservoir as part of a surface
coal mining operation under Chapter 134, Natural
Resources Code, for sediment control or regulations
relating to fire or dust suppression. Under prior law
only sediment control was authorized. |
|
Last Action: |
5-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1732
|
West
Harless
|
Relating to safety
requirements for public swimming pools and other
artificial bodies of water. |
|
General Remarks: |
Pool safety standards are
required for an "artificial body of water" |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1755
|
Fraser
Sheffield
|
Relating to the election
of directors of the Clearwater Underground Water
Conservation District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1475 |
Sheffield |
(Identical) |
|
3- 2-09 H
Introduced and referred to committee on House
Natural Resources |
|
HB 4210 |
Sheffield |
(Identical) |
|
5- 7-09 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 1755
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
The election date for
directors is changed. |
|
Last Action: |
5-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 2126
|
Estes
Miller, Doug
|
Relating to the authority
of owners and managers of apartment houses to assess a
service charge for the submetering of water and
wastewater services. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 3501 |
Miller, Doug |
(Identical) |
|
5- 8-09 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 2126
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 13, Water Code, is amended to extend the
authorization to impose a service charge for submetering
to the owner of an apartment house. A service charge for
submetering may not be assessed against a resident that
receives certain low income housing assistance.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 2306
|
Williams
Miller, Doug
|
Relating to rates and
methods of depreciation applied to a retired class of
property for regulated water utilities. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 3610 |
Miller, Doug |
(Identical) |
|
5- 8-09 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 2306
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 13, Water Code, is
amended to prescribe certain accounting methods for
depreciation for an investor-owned utility. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 2312
|
Averitt
Miller, Doug
|
Relating to eligibility
for funds from the water infrastructure fund from the
Texas Water Development Board. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 15, Water Code, is
amended to expand the definition of "eligible political
subdivision". |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 2314
|
Averitt
Callegari
|
Relating to the adoption
of rules by the Texas Water Development Board regarding
supplemental funding resulting from federal economic
recovery legislation. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 15, Water Code, is
amended to ensure the TWDB may expeditiously provide
financial assistance utilizing funds made available
through federal programs. Certain procedural
requirements for rule-making are waived if the Board
determines the procedures do not allow for the the
adoption of rules in a sufficiently prompt manner.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Provisions in Chapter 26,
Water Code, related to disposal of boat sewage are
amended to add certain definitions, including "surface
water in the state". Chapter 31, Parks and Wildlife
Code, is amended to auhorize certain game wardens or
peace officers to enforce TCEQ rules concerning disposal
of sewage from boats. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
A groundwater district is
created, subject to a confirmation election, in all or
parts of Jim Hogg, Brooks, Jim Wells, and Hidalgo
Counties. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 4721 |
Gonzalez Toureilles |
(Identical) |
|
5- 6-09 S Received
in the Senate - Referred to Senate Natural
Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Provisions related to the
election of directors are clarified. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 4809 |
Hardcastle |
(Identical) |
|
5- 5-09 H Meeting
set for 8:00 a.m., E2.010, House Natural
Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
A groundwater district is
created in Collin, Cooke, and Denton Counties. The
district is confirmed only if two or more of the
counties submit a resolution confirming the county's
inclusion. |
|
Last Action: |
5-27-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 2513
|
Averitt
Dunnam
|
Relating to the name and
confirmation of, and to certain fees imposed by, the
McLennan County Groundwater Conservation District and to
the authority to create certain adjacent groundwater
conservation districts. |
|
General Remarks: |
The name of the district is
changed to the Southern Trinity Groundwater Conservation
District. Production fees are specified. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 2520
|
Duncan
Heflin
|
Relating to election and
qualifications of members of the board of directors of
the Santa Rita Underground Water Conservation District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 4780 |
Heflin |
(Identical) |
|
5-22-09 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 2520
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Qualifications of board
members and election dates are changed. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Red River Groundwater
Conservation District is created coextensive with the
boundaries of Grayson and Fannin Counties. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 2570
|
Lucio
Rios Ybarra
|
Relating to the board of
directors of the Kenedy County Groundwater Conservation
District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 4832 |
Rios Ybarra |
(Identical) |
|
5-22-09 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 2570
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
The election of directors
is changed from "at large" to five single-member
districts. |
|
Last Action: |
6-19-09 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
All
|
|
Track
|
|
|
Total Bills: |
88 |
|
0 |
|
|
- End of Report -
|
|
