Bill Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the West Harris County Regional Water Authority.

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

SB 1459, if passed, would modify the rules governing the West Harris County Regional Water Authority. Specifically, the bill would not allow the authority to annex or add territory which is within the boundaries of both another regional water district and a subsidence district. The bill also notes that the authority is not to be considered a special water authority under Chapter 49 of the Water Code. SB 1459 also removes the requirement that the authority share its infrastructure capital costs process with every municipal water district. If passed, the authority could still undertake this official process but now at its discretion. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 1459 is a combination of a minor positive development and a minor negative development. Restricting the expansion of the district in question if there is an overlap of boundaries would be a positive and prudential change. On the other hand, making the disclosure of the capital costs process to municipal utility districts optional is a minor setback to government transparency, though a setback nonetheless. Because of this conflict we are neutral on SB 1459.