BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1606

By: Talarico

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District was created to serve as the local sponsor of federally constructed watershed dams to reduce flooding and minimize erosion. The original dams were built in the late 1950s and early 1960s in what was a primarily rural area in southeast Williamson County. In its role to provide regional flood risk mitigation, the district is planning and designing additional dams. The attorney general recently determined that the district's relationship with regard to municipal regulations was in need of clarification. H.B. 1606 seeks to provide that legislative clarification by establishing that the district is not required to comply with municipal regulations regarding the construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, or removal of dams.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1606 amends Chapter 341, Acts of the 55th Legislature, Regular Session, 1957, to establish that the Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District is not required to comply with municipal regulations regarding the construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, or removal of dams.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.