HBA-SEP H.B. 2401 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2401
By: Lewis, Ron
Natural Resources
7/18/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 77th Legislature, local governments were authorized to
establish programs under the Texas Community Development Act of 1975 that
promote energy conservation but were not expressly authorized to establish
water conservation programs.  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
and neighborhood enterprise associations were also expressly authorized to
promote energy conservation, but not water conservation.  House Bill 2401
authorizes these entities to promote water conservation through certain
state and local programs. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2401 amends the Local Government, Education, and Governments
codes relating to programs and funding methods that promote water
conservation among certain state and local entities.  The bill authorizes a
municipality, through a program established pursuant to the Texas Community
Development Act of 1975 to establish programs that include the promotion of
water use efficiency and grants to water conservation projects (Sec.
373.005, Local Government Code).  The bill requires the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board to allocate incentive funding, as a percentage
of base funding, among institutions of higher education for the purpose of
rewarding institutions achieving the goals set by the board in relation to
water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and water reuse (Sec. 61.0591,
Education Code). The bill authorizes a neighborhood enterprise association
with the approval of and in coordination with the responsible state or
local governmental entity to provide water conservation projects (Sec.
2303.304, Government Code).    

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.