BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 1016

By: King, Tracy O.

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

State law allows the Texas Legislature to designate a river or stream segment of unique ecological value that meets certain criteria regarding biological function, hydrologic function, riparian conservation areas, high water quality and exceptional aquatic life, and threatened or endangered species and unique communities. H.B. 1016 seeks to designate certain river or stream segments which meet these criteria.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 1016 designates as being of unique ecological value certain river or stream segments of the Nueces River, Frio River, Sabinal River, San Marcos River, and Comal River. The bill specifies that the designation of these river or stream segments as being of unique ecological value means only that a state agency or political subdivision of the state may not finance the actual construction of a reservoir in the designated segment; does not affect the ability of a state agency or political subdivision of the state to construct, operate, maintain, or replace a weir, a water diversion, flood control, drainage, or water supply system, a low water crossing, or a recreational facility in the designated segment; does not prohibit the permitting, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, or replacement of any water management strategy to meet projected water supply needs recommended in, or designated as an alternative in, the 2011 or 2016 Regional Water Plan for Region L; and does not alter any existing property right of an affected landowner.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2015.