Bill > HB4820

This bill modifies Texas water district regulations to provide special financial flexibility for certain coastal water districts during disaster declarations. Specifically, the bill allows water districts located entirely within first-tier coastal counties to issue notes and bond anticipation notes more easily during a state or federal disaster declaration, without some of the typical regulatory restrictions. A "disaster declaration" is defined as either a presidential emergency declaration or a state-level disaster declaration under Texas law. The bill expands existing exceptions to note and bond approval requirements, enabling these districts to issue notes more quickly and with less oversight during emergency periods. These notes would be considered legally binding and incontestable, even if they would normally require prior commission approval. The bill also clarifies that "notes" can include commercial paper notes that meet certain government code requirements. The legislation aims to give coastal water districts more financial agility to respond to emergency situations, potentially helping them address infrastructure or operational needs more rapidly during disaster scenarios. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the required supermajority vote.

Labor and Employment

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4820