SRC-VRA S.B. 1689 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1689
78R4385 DRH-DBy: Gallegos
Intergovernmental Relations
3/25/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

A municipal sanitary sewer system during heavy rain events is impacted by
factors known as infiltration and inflow (I&I).  I&I contribute to
sanitary sewer overflows, which must be controlled under the Federal Clean
Water Act.  Common examples of I&I include storm water leaking into
sanitary sewer lines due to aging of the lines and direct storm water
connections.  As proposed, S.B. 1689 removes from current law the
requirement that private homeowners be assessed for the cost of sanitary
sewer line repairs or replacements on their property.   

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 402.901, Local Government Code, by adding
Subsection (k), to provide that this section does not affect the ability
of a home-rule municipality, in exercising its home-rule powers under
Section 5, Article XI, Texas Constitution, to relocate or replace a water
or sanitation sewer lateral on private property without making an
assessment against the property or a person.   

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.