BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 294
85R19238 GRM-F	By: Walle et al. (Garcia)
	Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs
	5/5/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Interested parties note that residents living in unincorporated areas of counties often depend on investor-owned water and sewer utilities for residential water and wastewater services. The parties contend, however, that some of these residents experience issues with water quality or loss of water service and that such issues are not adequately resolved. H.B. 294 seeks to address this issue by expanding the circumstances under which the Texas attorney general is required to bring suit for the appointment of a receiver to collect the assets and carry on the business of a water or sewer utility on certain request.

Supporters include: Castlewood Civic Club, Texas Association of Builders, and East Aldine Management District

H.B. 294 amends current law relating to appointment of a receiver for a water or sewer utility.

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 13.412(a), Water Code, as follows:

(a) Requires the Texas attorney general (attorney general), at the request of the Public Utility Commission of Texas or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, to bring suit for the appointment of a receiver to collect the assets and carry on the business of a water or sewer utility that violates a final judgment issued by a district court in a suit brought by the attorney general under this chapter (Water Rates and Services), Chapter 7 (Enforcement), or Chapter 341 (Minimum Standards of Sanitation and Health Protection Measures), Health and Safety Code.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.