Bill Caption

Relating to the establishment of an infrastructure improvement council by the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal impact to the State or local governments is expected.

Bill Analysis

SB 1422 seeks to allow the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board to create an Infrastructure Improvement Council to study the viability of each infrastructure improvement project requested by council members to determine whether an infrastructure improvement project is eligible to receive financial assistance from the council. The board will set a formula to determine an annual voluntary assessment and a member of the conference that pays the voluntary assessment shall appoint a representative to serve as a member of the council. Only members of the council may receive funds from the council. 

The council shall establish procedures to govern the council. The council may also hire employees and engage in infrastructure improvement projects without board approval. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 1422 would create a voluntary council to help address water improvement projects in South Texas. The council would only disperse funds to those who pay the voluntary assessment, preventing free-rider organizations. This bill would allow the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board to better address the development and sustenance of critical water needs of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. However an important issue this bill seeks to address, SB 1422 primarily deals with administrative reorganization and does not fall within the scope of our Liberty Principles. We are Neutral on this legislation.