Honorable Allan Ritter, Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB635 by Nichols (Relating to the authority of the executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in relation to establishing water and sewer utility rates.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would allow the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)'s executive director to establish interim rates in rate cases under the TCEQ’s original and appellate jurisdiction. Under current law, the TCEQ commissioners are the only agency representatives authorized to establish interim rates.
No significant fiscal impact to the TCEQ is expected as a result of the bill's passage.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Any impact to local governments would likely be positive because the bill could reduce the time period for a local government waiting for an interim rate decision from the TCEQ.