HBA-LJP H.B. 3321 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3321
By: Elkins
Land & Resource Management
3/28/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, developers are required to comply with the rules adopted
by the Texas Water Development board (board) regarding minimum standards
for safe and sanitary water supply and sewer services in residential areas
of political subdivisions.  However, plats approved prior to January 20,
2000 were laid out in accordance with existing board rules and it may be
burdensome and expensive for developers of these subdivisions to comply
with board rules created after the approval of the plat.  House Bill 3321
prohibits the board from adopting rules requiring a developer whose
subdivision plat was approved prior to January 20, 2000 to comply with
certain financial assurance requirements relating to onsite sewer
facilities. 

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 3321 amends the Water Code to prohibit the Texas Water
Development Board from adopting any rules that require a subdivider whose
subdivision plat was approved prior to January 20, 2000 to comply with
financial assurance requirements, such as bonds, letter of credit or cash
deposit, relating to onsite sewer facilities. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.