Bill: HB 1633, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House State Affairs
Companion Bill
SB 758
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Philip Cortez
Ina Minjarez
Justin Rodriguez
Bill Caption
Relating to bill payment assistance programs offered by certain municipalities.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, a municipality with a population between one and two million (San Antonio and Dallas) applies certain funds to bill payment assistance programs for low-income utility customers who have been threatened with disconnection for nonpayment of bills. HB 1633 would remove the requirement that payment assistance to these individuals be contingent on being threatened with disconnection for non-payment. However, these funds could still be used for customers who are determined to be low-income or veterans that have suffered severe burns.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Given the local and procedural nature of this bill, HB 1633 neither uplifts nor offends our liberty principles, therefore we remain neutral. However, we do oppose the preferential treatment of select groups of individuals through these types of utility payment assistance programs as it infringes on the principle of limited government.
Organizations Supporting
City of San Antonio
San Antonio Water System
Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
