Bill: SB 226, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
Senate Agriculture, Water, & Rural Affairs
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Van Taylor
Bill Caption
Relating to the procedure for action on certain applications for an
amendment to a water right.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, a water right amendment is granted under the same procedures as a water right application, including the responsibility of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to grant notice and a hearing. SB 226 would exempt amendment applications from notice and hearings if the amendment only changes the point of diversion; adds a place of use in the same basin as the original right; and does not authorize consumptive use or change the pattern of use.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill supports the principle of limited government by reducing the bureaucracy involved in amending a water right that would not substantially affect the use of the right. For this reason, we support SB 226.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Association of Business
Texas Association of Manufacturers
Texas Chemical Council
Texas Public Policy Foundation
Organizations Opposed
Environment Texas
League of Independent Voters of Texas
National Wildlife Federation
