Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development - 86th R.S. (2019)

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Committee Members

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Charges

• Local Economic Development Incentives: Study the use of local tax abatements allowed under Chapter 313 of the Texas Tax Code. Make recommendations to promote transparency and enhance effectiveness of tax abatements, capital investment incentives, and similar programs.

• Eminent Domain: Examine current law regarding the balance of private property rights and continued improvement in oil and gas infrastructure. Make recommendations to ensure stability between private property owner protections and emergent oil and gas infrastructure.

• Future Water Supply: Examine current laws, processes, and water storage options and availability. Make recommendations promoting the state's water supply, storage, availability, valuation, movement, and development of new sources.

• River Authority Infrastructure: Examine the roles and responsibilities of river authorities in maintaining their managed assets including, but not limited to, dams. Evaluate the impact on the economy, water supply, and flood control due to deferred maintenance. Make recommendations to promote infrastructure stability and maintain the usability of these bodies of water.

• Groundwater Regulatory Framework: Study the state's groundwater regulatory framework and make recommendations to improve groundwater regulation, management, and permitting.

• Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committees on Natural Resources and Economic Development and Water and Rural Affairs passed by the 86th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under each committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:
  
  
  
  • SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, and SB 500, relating to disaster response and recovery, disaster funds, state-wide flood planning, and dam maintenance;
  
  
  • SB 698, related to expedited permitting;
  
  
  • SB 700, relating to water utility ratemaking reform;
  
  
  • SB 2272, relating to certain amendment and revocation procedures;
  
  
  • HB 1325, relating to the production and regulation of hemp; and
  
  
  • HB 3557, relating to civil and criminal liability for engaging in certain conduct involving a critical infrastructure facility.
  
  

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