LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 8, 2013

TO:	Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB958 by Fraser (Relating to the liability of certain special-purpose districts or authorities providing water to a purchaser for the generation of electricity.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would add a new chapter to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code waiving sovereign immunity for local districts or authorities for certain water supply contract claims. The bill as substituted does not waive immunity in federal court or in a cause of action for a negligent or intentional tort. This bill if enacted is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact on the judiciary nor state entities with regulatory authority over water districts. The bill would take effect immediately if receiving a two-thirds vote of each house, otherwise September 1, 2013. 

Local Government Impact

The Northeast Texas Municipal Water District (NETWD) estimates annual costs of $470,000 associated with the bill, representing moderate costs.

Canadian River Municipal Water Authority (CRMWA) reported no fiscal impact associated with the bill.

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 302 Office of the Attorney General, 580 Water Development Board, 582 Commission on Environmental Quality

LBB Staff:

UP, AM, KKR, AG, ZS