Bill > HB5197

This bill modifies the Texas Water Code to expand the ways ratepayers can file appeals regarding water, drainage, or sewer rate changes with the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Currently, an appeal petition must be signed by either 10,000 ratepayers or 10 percent of those whose rates have changed. The bill adds a new option allowing an appeal petition to be signed by 10 percent of ratepayers within a specific customer class that has experienced rate changes. This means that even if the total number of impacted ratepayers is small, as long as 10 percent of that customer class supports the appeal, they can proceed with challenging the rate modification. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or otherwise will become effective on September 1, 2025. This change provides more flexibility for ratepayers to challenge rate increases by allowing appeals based on a percentage of a specific customer group rather than requiring a large absolute number of signatures.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5197