Honorable Lyle Larson, Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3314 by Frank (Relating to the procedure for action on certain applications for an amendment to a water right.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Water Code to exempt certain water rights amendment applications from requirements regarding notice and hearing or technical review by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Under the provisions of the bill, the new exemptions would only apply to applications filed with TCEQ after the effective date of the bill. The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
TCEQ anticipates that any reductions in workload or expenses associated with implementing the provisions of the bill would not be significant.
Local Government Impact
Based on information provided by TCEQ, units of local government can apply for water rights amendment applications and would be subject to the provisions of this bill. Units of local government may have some cost savings due to the reduction of required information for water rights amendment applications.
Source Agencies:
360 State Office of Administrative Hearings, 582 Commission on Environmental Quality