Bill: HB 1307, 83(R) - 2013

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Charlie Geren

Bill Caption

Relating to rates for water service, to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1307, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2015.

Bill Analysis

Summary:

HB 1307 is a Sunset Bill relating to the Public Utilities Commission. At the recommendation of the Sunset Advisory Commission, HB 1307 would transfer many of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) responsibilities pertaining to utility rate increase disputes over to the PUC. The Sunset Advisory Commission feels that the PUC would be able to handle the contested rate increase more efficiently than TCEQ. HB 1307 does not increase any penalties or fees.

Analysis:

Overall, HB 1307 would represent a move towards efficiency in government agencies. By allowing PUC to handle some of the work TCEQ struggles to work through, both agencies will be able to do their jobs better. Increasing efficiency (which can lead to a decrease in costs) is a good way to limit government. TPPA supports HB 1307.


Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 04:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/83r/hb1307?print_view=true