BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1532
89R21447 ANG-D	By: Cunningham et al. (Creighton)
	Local Government
	5/25/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The bill author has informed the committee that Lake Houston is the major water supply for the Houston region and the health of this asset is vital for many entities, but there continues to be frequent sediment buildup and flooding in communities near the lake and its tributaries, most notably the San Jacinto River. The bill author has further informed the committee that while there has been progress in recent years regarding dredging in the lake and its tributaries, there is a need for a long-term plan and an ongoing maintenance program. H.B. 1532 seeks to address this issue by creating the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District, which will allow for the oversight of dredging and maintenance operations in the area in order to improve water flow and reduce sediment buildup. 

H.B. 1532 amends current law relating to the creation of the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District and provides the authority to issue bonds.

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 the heading to Subtitle L, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, to read as follows:

SUBTITLE L. MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY WATER DISTRICTS

SECTION 2. Amends Subtitle L, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 9602, as follows:

CHAPTER 9602. LAKE HOUSTON DREDGING AND MAINTENANCE DISTRICT

Sets forth standard language for the creation of the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District (district). Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

Creation, purpose, and territory of the district (Sections 9602.0101-9602.0104);

Size, composition, appointment, and terms of the board of directors of the district (board), including the naming of the initial directors (Sections 9602.0201);

Powers and duties of the district (Sections 9602.0301-9602.0304); and

General financial provisions, including authority to issue bonds for the district, prohibition of the imposition of a tax or the charging of a fee, and state funding (Sections 9602.0401-9602.0404).

Prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.

SECTION 3. (a) Requires the city council of the City of Houston, the director of the City of Houston Public Works, the governing body of the Harris County Flood Control District, and the mayor of the City of Houston, not later than September 1, 2026, to appoint the initial members of the board as required by Section 9602.0201 (Governing Body; Terms; Presiding Officer), Special District Local Laws Code, as added by this Act.

(b) Requires the directors, at the first meeting of the board of directors of the district, to draw lots to determine which three directors serve a term of four years and which two directors serve a term of two years.

SECTION 4. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and laws of this state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and accomplished.

SECTION 5. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.