| |
|
|
|
2011 REGULAR SESSION- ALL BILLS OF
INTEREST PASSED
08-04-2011 - 15:50:49
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 46, Penal Code, is
amended. A person commits an offense by carrying a
handgun on a watercraft under certain circumstances.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 218
|
Gallego
Uresti
|
Relating to possessing a
glass container within the boundaries of certain
riverbeds; providing for criminal penalties. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 365, Health and
Safety Code, is amended to prohibit the possession of a
glass container designed to contain a beverage within
the boundaries of a state-owned river bed in a county
located within 85 miles of an international border and
in which at least 4 rivers are located. Certain
exceptions are provided. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 240
|
Parker
Nelson
|
Relating to requiring the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to adopt rules
preventing accidental or unintentional access to on-site
sewage disposal systems. |
|
General Remarks: |
Section 366, Health and
Safety Code, is amended to require the TCEQ, in adopting
rules governing the installation of on-site sewage
disposal systems, to require the systems to be designed
to limit access. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 31, Parks and
Wildlife Code is amended to replace the term "life
preserver" with "personal flotation device" and to
expand the applicability of safety requirements to
vessels other than just motorboats. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 31, Parks and
wildlife Code, is amended to prohibit the display of a
fraudulent registration decal on a vessel and to
prohibit the sale or purchase of a vessel with a hull
identification number, or an outboard motor with a
serial number, that has been altered, defaced,
mutilated, or removed. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 429 |
Nichols |
(Identical) |
|
2- 2-11 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
Natural Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 27, Water Code, is
amended to require the TCEQ, for an application for a
permit for an injection well to dispose of industrial
and municipal waste, to provide an applicable
groundwater conservation district with a copy of the
application, a copy of each draft permit, and notice of
a contested case hearing. |
|
Last Action: |
5-21-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 451
|
Lucio III
Hegar
|
Relating to the creation
of a Don't Mess with Texas Water program to prevent
illegal dumping that affects the surface waters of this
state. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 26, Water Code, is
amended to establish a program to prevent illegal
dumping that affects the state's surface waters. TCEQ,
with the cooperation of TxDOT, is required to place
signs at major highway water crossings that notify
drivers of a toll-free number to call to report illegal
dumping to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Local
governments may participate in the program. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 610
|
Zerwas
Seliger
|
Relating to the method of
delivery of certain notices sent by the Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 5, Water Code, is
amended to authorize the TCEQ to provide notice of
certain applications to state legislators electronically
rather than by mail. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 628
|
Callegari
Jackson, Mike
|
Relating to contracts by
governmental entities and related professional services
and to public works performance and payment bonds. |
|
General Remarks: |
Various codes are amended
to consolidate and standardize procurement procedures
for governmental entities. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 673
|
Parker
Harris
|
Relating to the
production and use of an instructional video on
recreational water safety. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 12, Parks and
Wildlife Code, is amended to require TPWD to produce a
recreational water safety video suitable for use with
high school students. Chapter 29, Education Code, is
amended to require incorporation of the video into a
curriculum on driver education instruction. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 353 |
Birdwell |
(Identical) |
|
3-31-11 S
Withdrawn from the Local Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
A provision requiring this
district to join with another county is repealed.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 805
|
Callegari
Hegar
|
Relating to the
requirement that certain water service providers ensure
emergency operations during an extended power outage. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 13, Water Code, is
amended to ensure that emergency preparedness provisions
apply to Fort Bend County. This was the intent of
legislation passed last session but apparently the
bracketed population provision (400,000) missed its
target because of strict code construction. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 844
|
Geren
Nelson
|
Relating to the sale or
lease of property by certain municipalities owning land
near the shoreline of certain lakes. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 272, Local
Government Code, allows a municipality with a population
of 575,000 or less to sell property near a shoreline of
a lake under specified conditions without the
solicitation of bids. This bill amends the applicability
of current law to a municipality with a population of
825,000 or less. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 965
|
Callegari
Hegar
|
Relating to continuing
education requirements for persons holding licenses
issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 37, Water Code, is
amended to allow the TCEQ to administer continuing
education programs for various occupational license
holders through the internet. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1060
|
Kleinschmidt
Hegar
|
Relating to the
de-annexation of land in Bastrop County by the Barton
Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 433 |
Hegar |
(Identical) |
|
5-25-11 H
Withdrawn from the Local Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1383
|
Quintanilla
Uresti
|
Relating to the territory
of the El Paso County Water Control and Improvement
District No. 4. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 765 |
Uresti |
(Identical) |
|
5-19-11 H
Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1732
|
Ritter
Hinojosa
|
Relating to the
applicability of the constitutional limit on state debt
payable from the general revenues of the state to bonds
issued by the Texas Water Development Board. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 334 |
Fraser |
(Identical) |
|
3-14-11 S
Committee action pending Senate Finance |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 17, Water Code, is
amended to enusre that certain bonds authorized by the
TWDB are not considered to be state debt payable from
general revenue under the Texas Constitution until the
legislature makes an appropriation of general revenue to
the board to pay the debt service on the bonds. Chapters
15 and 16, Water Code, are amended to prohibit the
finanacing of certain projects until the applicant has
completed a water infrastructure financing survey. Also
see SJR4. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1808
|
Cook
Watson
|
Relating to the
continuation and functions of the State Soil and Water
Conservation Board. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 645 |
Nichols |
(Identical) |
|
4-11-11 S
Committee action pending Senate Government
Organization |
|
|
General Remarks: |
This is the comprehensive
sunset bill for the State Soil and Water Conservation
Board. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1814
|
Lucio III
Lucio
|
Relating to the provision
of water and certain equipment by water supply or sewer
service corporations for use in fire suppression and the
liability of those corporations. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 1659 |
Lucio |
(Identical) |
|
4-19-11 S Meeting
set for 9:00 A.M., E1.012, Senate Natural
Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 67, Water Code, is
amended to to clarify the authority of a water supply
corporation to provide a water supply to a municipality
or volunteer fire department for use in fire
suppression. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 936 |
Williams |
(Identical) |
|
3- 8-11 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
Natural Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-21-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 1901
|
Keffer
Birdwell
|
Relating to the
applicability of provisions concerning bond approval by
the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to certain
water entities. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 1629 |
Birdwell |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-11 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
Natural Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 49, Water Code, is
amended to add a bracketed exemption (reportedly for
Acton MUD) from TCEQ's bond review authority.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-28-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2067
|
Callegari
Seliger
|
Relating to the
regulation of the practice of engineering by individuals
engaged in the evaluation of oil and gas resources. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, is amended to exempt
from the practice of engineering certain evaluations of
oil and gas resources.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-28-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Parks and Wildlife Code
is amended to legalize "handfishing" for catfish with an
appropriate fishing license. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2207
|
Oliveira
Lucio
|
Relating to the authority
of the board of trustees to set rates for certain
municipal utility systems. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 1469 |
Lucio |
(Identical) |
|
3-22-11 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
Intergovernmental Relations |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 552, Local
Government Code, is amended to further authorize a
municipality that has transferred management and control
of two or more of its water, wastewater, storm water, or
drainage systems to a board of trustees, to authorize
the board to set rates and related terms for the
systems. Chapter 1502, Government Code, is amended as it
relates to a bracketed provision that addresses
financing for a utility system by a municipality with a
population over one million. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Public Funds Investment
Act (Chapter 2256, Government Code) is amended to
require monitoring of rating changes in investments, to
define the 2-year training cycle, and to further address
authroized investments. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2280
|
Eiland
Jackson, Mike
|
Relating to the
composition of the permanent advisory committee to
advise the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
regarding the implementation of the ad valorem tax
exemption for pollution control property. |
|
General Remarks: |
The Tax Code is amended to
require that the advisory committee to the TCEQ
regarding the implementation of the ad valorem tax
exemption for pollution control property include a
representative of a certain school district or junior
college. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Occupations Code is
amended to address distinctions and overlaps between the
practices of engineering and architecture. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2418
|
Callegari
Patrick, Dan
|
Relating to the
territory, board of directors, and powers of the North
Harris County Regional Water Authority. |
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 13, Water Code, is
amended to require an investor-owned utility to submit
its emergency preparedness plan to certain electric
providers instead of requiring the county to so forward
the plan. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2690
|
Deshotel
Duncan
|
Relating to authorizing
local governments to convey real property interests to
other local governments for less than fair market value. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 272, Local
Government Code, is amended to allow political
subdivisions to donate or sell land or an interest in
real property for less than fair market value under
certain circumstances. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2694
|
Smith, Wayne
Huffman
|
Relating to the
continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality and abolishing the On-site
Wastewater Treatment Research Council. |
|
Companions: |
|
SB 657 |
Huffman |
(Identical) |
|
4-19-11 S
Committee action pending Senate Natural
Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
This is the comprehensive
Sunset bill for the TCEQ. Issues of particular interest
include an exemption from dam safety regulation until
2015 for certain dams in rural areas impounding less
than 500 acre-feet; transfer of surface casing
determinations for oil and gas wells from the TCEQ to
the RRC; utilitzation of compliance histroy in
enforcement and permitting decisions; clarification of
the agency's authority to administer surface water
rights during droughts and other emergencies; and a
requirement to periodically assess the need for
additional watermaster programs. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 2859
|
Gallego
Uresti
|
Relating to the creation
of the Terrell County Groundwater Conservation District. |
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 16, Water Code,
currently requires a retail public utility providing
potable water to perform and file with the TWDB every 5
years a water audit computing the utility's water loss.
HB3090 requires those retail public utilties receiving
financial assistance from the TWDB to perform the audit
annually. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 36, Water Code, is
amended to change the population of a municipality for a
bracketed provision. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 3328
|
Keffer
Fraser
|
Relating to the
disclosure of the composition of hydraulic fracturing
fluids used in hydraulic fracturing treatments. |
|
General Remarks: |
The Natural Resources Code
is amended to establish disclosure requirements for the
compostion of hydraulic fracturing fluids used in
hydrocarbon production wells. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
HB 3372
|
King, Tracy
Jackson, Mike
|
Relating to standards for
a structure that is connected to a public water supply
system and has a rainwater harvesting system. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 341, Health and
Safety Code, is amended to require the TCEQ and the
Texas Department of Health to develop rules for a
rainwater harvesting system used for indoor potable
purposes and connected to a public water supply system.
A person who installs or maintains such a system must be
a licensed plumber and certified as a water supply
protection specialist. The owner of the public water
supply system must be notified before connecting the
rainwater harvesting system to the public water supply
system. The public water supply system may not be held
liable for any adverse health effects of the connection.
Also see SB1073. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Various codes are amended
to allow financial institutions to consider making loans
for developments that will use harvested rainwater as
the sole source of water supply; to require that
rainwater harvesting technology be incorporated into the
design and construction of certain new state buildings;
to address criteria for the installation and maintenance
of rainwater harvesting systems that are used for indoor
potable purposes and connected to a public water supply
system; to require cities and counties to encourage
rainwater harvesting; to address prohibitions on
rainwater harvesting by property owners associations;
and to incorporate the promotion of rainwater harvesting
into the water policies of the state. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
SB 1902 |
Eltife |
(Identical) |
|
4-20-11 S
Recommended for Local/Uncontested Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 279 |
Geren |
(Identical) |
|
2-15-11 H
Introduced and referred to committee on House
Land and Resource Management |
|
SB 180 |
Estes |
(Identical) |
|
1-31-11 S
Introduced and referred to committee on Senate
State Affairs |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Various codes relating to
eminent domain are amended to ensure that a governmental
entity may only exercise the authority of eminent for a
public use; to require a governmental entity to
authorize initiation of an eminent proceeding through a
public meeting; to require all entities with eminent
domain authority to document that authority with the
Comptroller by 12/31/2012 (or lose it); to require
disclosure of certain appraisal information to a
landowner; to require a bona fide offer to a landowner
that is equal to or greater than the appraised value; to
establish procedures for repurchase of property by a
landowner when the condemned land is not used for its
intended purpose in 10 years; etc. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 181
|
Shapiro
Laubenberg
|
Relating to the reporting
of water conservation measures by municipalities and
water utilities. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 16, Water Code, is
amended, to require each regional water planning group
to report on projected water use and conservation, and
the implementaion of planned projects. The legislature
finds that gallons per capita per day is not an accurate
measure of water use or conservation without adjustment
for certain variables, and requires the TWDB and the
TCEQ, in consultation with the Water Conservation
Advisory Council, to develop a uniform, consistent
methodology and guidance for calculating and reporting
water use and conservation by a municipality or water
utility. Rule-making is authroized as necessary.
Timelines are established. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2283 |
Menendez |
(Identical) |
|
3-10-11 H
Introduced and referred to committee on House
Natural Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2112 |
Price |
(Identical) |
|
4-19-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 313
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 35, Water Code, is
amended to change the planning horizon for the priority
groundwater management area (pgma) process to 50 years
(current law is 25 years). Language is added to clarify
that the TCEQ's rule-making authority for pgmas also
applies to the critical area process that existed before
September 1, 1997. Procedures are added to clarify how
financing occurs when a pgma area is added to an
existing district. Conforming changes are made to
Chapter 36, Water Code. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 332
|
Fraser
Ritter
|
Relating to the vested
ownership interest in groundwater beneath the surface
and the right to produce that groundwater. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1730 |
Ritter |
(Identical) |
|
4- 5-11 H
Committee action pending House Natural Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 36, Water Code, is
amended to recognize that a landowner owns the
groundwater below the surface as real property. The
landowner is entitled to drill for and produce
groundwater subject to the spacing requirements and
production limits of a groundwater district. The
existence of common law or other defenses to liability
under the rule of capture are unaffected. This section
does not affect the ability of the EAA or the subsidence
districts to regulate in any manner authorized by
enabling legislation. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 333
|
Fraser
King, Tracy
|
Relating to election
procedures and qualifications of members of boards of
directors for water supply or sewer service
corporations. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 310 |
King, Tracy |
(Identical) |
|
4-12-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 333
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 67, Water Code, is
amended to establish qualifications and election
procedures for board members of water supply
corporations. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 341
|
Uresti
Menendez
|
Relating to the
appointment of a conservator for and authorizing the
dissolution of the Bexar Metropolitan Water District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 648 |
Menendez |
(Identical) |
|
5-12-11 H Set on
the House Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
General Remarks: |
Amends Chapter 15, Water
Code, to add other sources of revenue to the Rural Water
Assistance Fund and expands the range of projects that
can be financed through the fund. It also codifies TWDB
rules that allow for securing a loan to a water supply
corporation with a promissory note in lieu of requiring
the WSC to issue bonds and hiring a bond counsel or
financial advisor. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 370
|
Seliger
Ritter
|
Relating to the authority
of the Texas Water Development Board to provide
financial assistance for certain projects if the
applicant has failed to complete a request for
information relevant to the project. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1734 |
Ritter |
(Identical) |
|
3-28-11 H Reported
favorably from committee on House Natural
Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapters 15 and 16, Water
Code, are amended to prohibit the TWDB from providing
financial assistance when the applicant has failed to
complete a request for information about the project
from the executive administrator or a regional planning
group. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 408
|
Estes
Keffer
|
Relating to inspection of
and operation of watercrafts on the John Graves Scenic
Riverway. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 26, Water Code, is
amended to further clarify how inspections of the John
Graves Scenic Riverway must be conducted. The TCEQ by
rule shall prohibit, with certain exceptions, the
operation of an airboat or hovercraft on the waters of
the Riverway. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Vetoed by the
Governor
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1012 |
Lavender |
(Identical) |
|
5- 3-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 410
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-12-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 430
|
Nichols
Christian
|
Relating to written
notice to a groundwater conservation district of
groundwater contamination. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 5, Water Code, is
amended to require the TCEQ, after confirming that a
potential health hazard exists because usable
groundwater has been contaminated, to notify a
groundwater district with jurisdiction in the area.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 449
|
Watson
Ritter
|
Relating to the appraisal
for ad valorem tax purposes of open-space land devoted
to water stewardship purposes on the basis of its
productive capacity. |
|
General Remarks: |
The Tax Code is amended to
authorize the appraisal of open-space land on the basis
of its productive capacity for water stewardship.
Practices that may be implemented to promote and sustain
water quality and conservation of water resources are
designated. The TPWD, with the assistance of the
Comptroller, is required to develop qualifying
standards. See SJR 16 for the corresponding
constitutional amendment. |
|
Last Action: |
1- 1-12 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 512
|
Hegar
Creighton
|
Relating to the
qualification of supervisors of a fresh water supply
district. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2983 |
Creighton |
(Identical) |
|
4- 5-11 H
Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 53, Water Code, is
amended. Under current law only the owner of taxable
property in a fresh water supply district is eligible
for election as a supervisor. Under this amendment a
registered voter of the district would also be eligible.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 935 |
Phillips |
(Identical) |
|
4-14-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 525
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 231, Local Government Code, is amended to
provide for county zoning authority for the area within
5000 feet of where the shoreline of the Lower Bois D'Arc
Creek Reservoir would be if the reservoir were filled to
its storage capacity. A sunset provision relating to the
applicability of this subchapter to Lake Ralph Hall is
repealed.
|
|
Last Action: |
4-29-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 564
|
Uresti
Gallego
|
Relating to the election
of members of the board of directors of the Middle Pecos
Groundwater Conservation District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1177 |
Gallego |
(Identical) |
|
5-13-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 564
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-28-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 569
|
Jackson, Mike
Taylor, Larry
|
Relating to the rates
charged by certain conservation and reclamation
districts for potable water or wastewater service to
recreational vehicle parks. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1210 |
Taylor, Larry |
(Identical) |
|
4-11-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 569
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 49, Water Code, is
amended to require that the rates a district charges to
a recreational vehicle park be determined on the same
basis the district uses to determine rates for other
commercial businesses that serve transient customers.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 573
|
Nichols
Creighton
|
Relating to certificates
of public convenience and necessity for water or sewer
services. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 13, Water Code, is
amended to establish procedures for the TCEQ to issue a
CCN to a retail public utility within the ETJ of a
municipality without the municipality's consent; to
prohibit the TCEQ from issuing a CCN to a municipality
beyond the municipality's ETJ over the objections of a
landowner; and to require the TCEQ to grant a petition
by the owner of a tract of 25 acres or more to release
the tract from a CCN area when the tract is not
receiving water or sewer service.The TCEQ may require
compensation to the decertified retail public utility.
Each of the provisions are bracketed to include or
exclude certain counties. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 580
|
Hegar
Morrison
|
Relating to community
assistance and economic development program activities
of the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1271 |
Morrison |
(Identical) |
|
5-19-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 580
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
The enabling legislation of
the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority is amended to
authorize the district to sponsor and participate in
programs that promote economic development. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 609
|
Rodriguez
Gonzalez, Naomi
|
Relating to the exemption
of certain property from municipal drainage service
charges and from related ordinances, resolutions, and
rules. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1289 |
Gonzalez, Naomi |
(Identical) |
|
3- 1-11 H
Introduced and referred to committee on House
Natural Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 552, Local
Government Code, is amended to exempt from certain
municipal drainage charges property owned by a municipal
housing authority. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 660
|
Hinojosa
Ritter
|
Relating to the review
and functions of the Texas Water Development Board,
including the functions of the board in connection with
the process for establishing and appealing desired
future conditions in a groundwater area |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 3530 |
Ritter |
(Identical) |
|
4-26-11 H Reported
from committee as substituted House Natural
Resources |
|
|
General Remarks: |
This is the comprehensive
TWDB sunset bill. The provisions of HB1732, relating to
the agency's bonding authority, and SB181, relating to a
uniform, consistent method for calculating and reporting
water use and water conservation, are incorporated. The
bill also amends Chapter 36, Water Code, to define
"desired future condition", to codify criteria districts
must consider in establishing DFCs, and to establish
procedural requirements for the DFC process. Appeals to
the TWDB and the TCEQ are further clarified. Changes to
the DFC process generally include recommendations of the
TWCA Groundwater Committee. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 683
|
Huffman
Bonnen
|
Relating to the
composition of the board of directors of the Gulf Coast
Water Authority. |
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 684
|
Huffman
Howard, Charlie
|
Relating to the transfer
of the assets of and the dissolution of the Fort Bend
County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1778 |
Howard, Charlie |
(Identical) |
|
4-14-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 684
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
4-29-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 691
|
Estes
King, Tracy
|
Relating to the exemption
from permitting by groundwater conservation districts
for certain water wells used for domestic, livestock,
and poultry watering purposes. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 36, Water Code, is
amended to make grammatical changes to the language
prohibiting a groundwater district from requiring a
permit for a well used for domestic or livestock
purposes if the well is located on a tract larger than
10 acres and incapable of producing more than 25,000
gallons per day. This legislation was recommended by
TWCA's Groundwater Committee. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2311 |
Miller, Doug |
(Identical) |
|
4-26-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 692
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 36, Water Code, is
amended to clarify that exemptions from permitting apply
to the purpose for which groundwater is used, and not to
the well itself. This legislation was recommended by
TWCA's Groundwater Committee. |
|
Last Action: |
5- 9-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 693
|
Estes
Price
|
Relating to permit
application and amendment hearings conducted by
groundwater conservation districts and the State Office
of Administrative Hearings. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1825 |
Price |
(Identical) |
|
4-28-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 693
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 36, Water Code, is
amended to require a groundwater district to contract
with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)
to conduct a contested case hearing if requested by the
permit applicant or other party to the case provided
that the party requesting that SOAH conduct the hearing
pay all costs of the SOAH contract. The district may
still make a final decision on the matter after
considering the SOAH recommendations. This legislation
was recommended by TWCA's Groundwater Committee.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-12-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1482 |
Beck |
(Identical) |
|
4-14-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 727
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 36, Water Code, is
amended to make all references to groundwater
conservation district management plans consistent. This
legislation was recommended by TWCA's Groundwater
Committee. |
|
Last Action: |
4-29-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 737
|
Hegar
Price
|
Relating to the
management of groundwater production by groundwater
conservation districts. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1824 |
Price |
(Identical) |
|
4-13-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 737
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 36, Water Code, is
amended to change the term "managed available
groundwater" to "modeled available groundwater" and to
address how a district may consider actual groundwater
production, including exempt use, in making permitting
decisions. This legislation was recommended by TWCA's
Groundwater Committee. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2268 |
Hancock |
(Identical) |
|
4-20-11 H
Committee action pending House Environmental
Regulation |
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 7, Water Code, is
amended to provide a defense for a nuisance or trespass
violation arising from greehhouse gas emissions if
actions that resulted in the alleged violations were
authorized by the TCEQ or the federal government.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 914
|
Wentworth
Miller, Doug
|
Relating to the
applicability to certain regional water districts of
provisions concerning bond approval by the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1852 |
Miller, Doug |
(Identical) |
|
4-26-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 914
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 49, Water Code, is
amended to provide an additional exemption from the bond
approval authority of the TCEQ for a district that
includes the territory in at least three counties and
has the powers of a river authority under Chapter 30,
Water Code. |
|
Last Action: |
5- 9-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 987
|
Hegar
Kleinschmidt
|
Relating to the term of
office and qualifications for a director of the Colorado
County Groundwater Conservation District. |
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1058
|
Nichols
White
|
Relating to the transfer
of certain state property from the Department of Aging
and Disability Services to the Angelina and Neches River
Authority. |
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1073
|
Jackson, Mike
King, Tracy
|
Relating to standards for
a structure that is connected to a public water supply
system and has a rainwater harvesting system. |
|
General Remarks: |
See HB3372.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1082
|
Hegar
Laubenberg
|
Relating to strategic
partnerships for the continuation of certain water
districts annexed by a municipality. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1979 |
Laubenberg |
(Identical) |
|
5- 9-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 1082
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 43.0751, Local
Government Code, relating to strategic partnerships for
the continuation of water districts annexed by a
municipality, is amended to apply to all districts
operating under Chapter 49, Water Code, rather than just
WCIDs and MUDs. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1132
|
Hegar
Thompson
|
Relating to a water
rights permit issued to the Texas Water Development
Board. |
|
General Remarks: |
The TCEQ is required to
grant an application to extend the dates to commence and
complete construction of Allens Creek Reservoir.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1140
|
Watson
Hartnett
|
Relating to payment by a
water control and improvement district for certain
damages caused by the district's operation of a sanitary
sewer system. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1751 |
Hartnett |
(Identical) |
|
5-12-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 1140
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 51, Water Code, is amended to authorize a
water control and improvement district to pay actual
property damages caused by the backup of the district's
sanitary sewer system.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-28-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1225
|
Hegar
Isaac
|
Relating to the
deannexation of land in Caldwell County by the Gonzales
County Underground Water Conservation District. |
|
General Remarks: |
Requires land in Caldwell Couny and within the
boundaries of both the Gonzales County Underground Water
Conservation District and the Plum Creek Conservation
District to be disannexed from one of the districts
based on an election of each landowner.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1290
|
Hegar
Hunter
|
Relating to the creation
of the Calhoun County Groundwater Conservation District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 2794 |
Hunter |
(Identical) |
|
5-27-11 H Set on
the House Items Eligible Calendar |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The Calhoun County
Groundwater Conservation District is created contingent
upon a confirmation election. |
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1361
|
Estes
Hardcastle
|
Relating to the audit
report exemption for districts created pursuant to the
Water Code. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 49, Water Code, is
amended to raise the level of financial activity that
triggers the filing of an audit report from $100,000 to
$250,000. |
|
Last Action: |
8-29-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1480
|
Hegar
Darby
|
Relating to the
regulation of exotic aquatic species by the Parks and
Wildlife Department. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 66, Parks and
Wildlife Code, is amended to restructure and strengthen
TPWD's authority to regulate harmful or potentially
harmful exotic aquatic plants not normally found in the
public waters of the State. The TPWD is required to
develop rules to implement this law. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1492
|
Uresti
Hilderbran
|
Relating to the election
of directors of the Real-Edwards Conservation and
Reclamation District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 1945 |
Hilderbran |
(Identical) |
|
5-13-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 1492
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
5-28-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1760
|
Lucio
Oliveira
|
Relating to notice of
water and wastewater requirements before certain sales
of certain residential properties. |
|
General Remarks: |
Chapter 232, Local Government Code, is amended to
require a county to make certain disclosures in a public
notice of sale of real property, including notice that a
lot of five acres or less that lacks water or wastewater
service may not qualify for residential use.
|
|
Last Action: |
9- 1-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SB 1895
|
Hegar
Morrison
|
Relating to director
elections and powers of the Texana Groundwater District. |
|
Companions: |
|
HB 3805 |
Morrison |
(Identical) |
|
5-19-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SB 1895
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
Local bill. Track only.
|
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Earliest
effective date
|
| |
SCR 2
|
Uresti
Gallego
|
Urging the United States
Congress to reauthorize the Water Resources Development
Act. |
|
Companions: |
|
HCR 21 |
Gallego |
(Identical) |
|
5-19-11 H Passed
(Vote: Y:138/N: 1) |
|
|
General Remarks: |
The concurrent resolution
describes concerns about the salt content in Amistad
Reservoir and urges Congress to reauthorize Section 5056
of the Water Resources Development Act, set to expire in
2011, and to appropriate sufficient funds so that
efforts to solve the salt problem in the reservoir can
continue. |
|
Last Action: |
6-17-11 G Signed by the
Governor
|
| |
SJR 4
|
Hinojosa
Ritter
|
Proposing a
constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of
additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water
Development Board. |
|
Companions: |
|
SJR 25 |
Hinojosa |
(Identical) |
|
3-17-11 S Meeting
set for 11:00 A.M. OR ADJ., E1.036, Senate
Finance |
|
|
General Remarks: |
An amendment to the Texas
Constitution is proposed to authorize the TWDB to issue
certain development fund bonds on a continuing basis
such that the aggregate principal amount oustanding does
not exceed $6 billion at any one time. Also see HB1732.
|
|
Last Action: |
11- 8-11 G Election date
|
| |
SJR 16
|
Estes
Ritter
|
Proposing a
constitutional amendment providing for the appraisal for
ad valorem tax purposes of open-space land devoted to
water stewardship purposes on the basis of its
productive capacity. |
|
General Remarks: |
A constitutional amendment
is proposed to support the appraisal of open-space land
on the basis of its productive capacity for water
stewardship. See SB449. |
|
Last Action: |
11- 8-11 G Election date
|
| |
SJR 28
|
Rodriguez
Marquez
|
Amendment authorizing the
legislature to permit conservation and reclamation
districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by
ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance
of parks and recreational facilities. |
|
Companions: |
|
HJR 92 |
Marquez |
(Identical) |
|
5-11-11 H Laid on
the table - subject to call - see SJR 28
|
|
|
General Remarks: |
A constitutional amendment
is proposed to authorize conservation and reclamation
districts in El Paso County to provide for improvements
and maintenance of parks and recreational funded with
indebtedness payable from taxes. |
|
Last Action: |
11- 8-11 G Election date
|
|
All
|
|
Track
|
|
|
Total Bills:
|
87 |
|
0 |
|
|
- End of Report -
|
|
