| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Positive | Neutral | Neutral | Positive |
Relating to appellate jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission regarding certain water or sewer utility fees.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 1719 would allow an applicant for service from a water supply or sewer service corporation to appeal to the Texas Public Utility Commission for a determination of whether the membership or tap fee required to be paid for service is consistent with the tariff of the water supply or sewer service corporation. If the PUC finds the amounts charged are inconsistent, then the PUC would have authority to issue an order for the organization to charge a consistent amount.
Texas Action supports SB 1719 as this bill protects individual liberty and property rights by creating a process to have an appeal heard and considered by a neutral arbiter of the facts with authority to require a fee reduction if that is justified.