Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
9 bills that modify the Water Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I have worked my way through to the Transportation Code. The Utilities and Water Code will follow.
Blog Summary
HB 2759 - Establishing a Hydrometeorology Network that will assist the state in weather forecasting and drought monitoring amongst other things.
HB 2774
HB 2816
HB 3059 - Taxes for exporting groundwater
HB 3232
HB 3437
HB 3507 - Contracts over $150,000 there needs to be sealed bids
HB 3582
HB 4285
9 bills that modify the Water Code
Published: 2026-06-29
HB 2759 - 5 pages
For the TexMesonet Hydrometeorology Network and advisory committee they must monitor hydrometeorological conditions. The network must provide statewide resource for hydrometeorological data and summary information that benefit weather forecasting, flood preparedness, drought monitoring, wildlife management, water resources planning, water conservation, agricultural readiness and productivity, industrial readiness, and related business readiness. Members of the committee shall include the office of the state climatologist, National Weather Service, existing hydrometeorological networks, and other appropriate entities.
HB 2774 - 3 pages
If an expense is included in the utility rate base, then the related income tax benefit must be used to reduce the base rate.
HB 2816 - 9 pages
A sale of real property in a special district must include a Notice to purchaser of special taxing or assessment district. It must provide notice that there may be district taxes or assessments. It needs to include the current rate or that the taxes have not been imposed but are projected to be. There is specific language for doing so.
HB 3059 - 5 pages
There is an export fee for transferring groundwater from a groundwater conservation district. The rate cannot exceed .20 per 1,000 gallons. Each year this rate can increase by 3%. The fees can be used to maintain the operability of wells that are affected by groundwater development.
HB 3232 - 3 pages
The commission can enter a compliance agreement, basically agree not to sue, while assisting in bringing the service into compliance.
HB 3437 - 3 pages
Contracts can be renegotiated if the increase or decrease is $150,000 or less. This was previously $50,000.
HB 3507 - 3 pages
For contracts over $150,00 (previously $75,000) there shall be sealed bidding. For contracts over $25,000 but not more than $150,000, there will be solicited written competitive bids.
HB 3582 - 5 pages
A rural political subdivision means a nonprofit water or sewer service in an urban area of greater than 50,000; or a less than 10,000 population that is not urban or a county with no urban areas exceeding 50,000. In this section of code where it use to reference an area outside a metropolitan statistical area is now a rural political subdivision. So really just a definition addition.
Once adoption the state flood plan, there can be financing for flood projects that are included in the plan.
HB 4385 - 2 pages
Previously there was a means for a municipality to provide water service without a certificate of public convenience and necessity. That still exists, and sewer service is now added.
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