BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 5373
88R20937 LRM-F	By: Canales (Hinojosa)
	Local Government
	5/17/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Since 1908 the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 has operated as a drainage district. As a drainage district, it has financed, built, operated, and maintained infrastructure to capture, control, and move flood and storm waters out of the district and into the Gulf of Mexico in a controlled manner. These operations have prevented flooding and erosion, as well as made it possible to reclaim and develop lands that otherwise would have been mosquito-infested swamps. During the district's existence, however, the demographics of its territory have changed.

Hidalgo County's largest population centers are located within the district and continue to grow. Existing water supply sources in the county are being taxed and need to be supplemented. The district's storm and flood water infrastructure collects water that can be reclaimed and treated to potable drinking water standards, but the district lacks the power to reclaim and treat the water. H.B. 5373 seeks to address this issue by granting the district the powers of a water improvement district in order to give the district the needed authority to capture, treat, and deliver storm and flood water as treated water to supplement local drinking water supplies.

H.B. 5373 amends current law relating to the powers and duties of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1.

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 Subtitle A, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 6609, as follows:

CHAPTER 6609. HIDALGO COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1

Sets forth language for the creation of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1. (district). Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

Creation, purpose, intent, and approval of the district (Sections 6609.0101-6609.0103);

Territory of the district (Section 6609.0104); and

Powers and duties of the district (Section 6609.0201).

SECTION 2. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and 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.