BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3007
88R4322 ANG-F	By: Goldman (Hancock)
	Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
	5/5/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, Section 49.181 of the Water Code requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to review and approve certain bond issuances for water and sewer projects, but all cities and a large number of water supply districts are already exempted from this requirement. This bond review exists as an extra layer of review for MUDS and other special districts that may not be experienced in designing and constructing water and wastewater projects.

Benbrook Water Authority (BWA) was created by the legislature in 1955 as a water conservation and reclamation district and serves as the de facto water and wastewater utility for the city of Benbrook, which has no water or wastewater department. BWA has 65 years of experience in designing and constructing water and wastewater projects for more than 20,000 customers.

In order to streamline BWA's bond review and approval process and prevent costly delays, H.B. 3007 exempts BWA from the TCEQ review and approval requirements under Section 49.181, Water Code. Bonds authorized by BWA will still be submitted to the attorney general for review and approval.

H.B. 3007 amends current law relating to the authority of the Benbrook Water Authority to issue bonds.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 12, Chapter 123, Acts of the 54th Legislature, Regular Session, 1955, to provide that Section 49.181 (Authority of Commission Over Issuance of District Bonds), Water Code, does not apply to the Benbrook Water Authority.

SECTION 2. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and the laws of this state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and accomplished.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.