BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2788

By: Springer

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that much of the state has recently experienced moderate to severe drought and that in many areas water restrictions were placed on private businesses and citizens with penalties for noncompliance. The parties note, however, that correctional facilities, which compose a large percentage of water use in municipalities, generally did not have to adopt conservation measures as did other entities in the affected areas.  H.B. 2788 seeks to address this issue.

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. 2788 amends the Water Code to authorize a retail public utility to require the operator of a correctional facility that receives retail water or sewer utility service from the utility to comply with water conservation measures adopted or implemented by the utility.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.