SRC-SLL S.B. 1718 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1718
By: Ellis
Natural Resources
5-21-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, political subdivisions are not subject to the original utility
regulatory jurisdiction of municipalities.  This bill amends the
definition of "water and sewer utility," "public utility," and "utility"
to make certain large conservation and reclamation districts that provide
household water and sewer service subject to a municipality's original
utility regulatory jurisdiction over rates, charges, and terms of service. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1718 amends the definition of "water and sewer utility,"
"public utility," and "utility" to make certain large conservation and
reclamation districts that provide household water and sewer service
subject to a municipality's original utility regulatory jurisdiction over
rates, charges, and terms of service. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 13.002(3), Water Code, to redefine "water and
sewer utility," "public utility," or "utility" to prohibit that political
subdivision, as used in this paragraph, from including a conservation and
reclamation district organized under Article XI, Section 59, of the Texas
Constitution, with a territory of more than 10,000 acres providing
household water and sewer service. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.