Bill Text: TX HB496 | 2011-2012 | 82nd Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the frequency with which water or sewer utilities must file a statement of intent to increase rates.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-22 - Left pending in committee [HB496 Detail]

Download: Texas-2011-HB496-Introduced.html

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82R2102 RWG-D
By: Dutton H.B. No. 496

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the frequency with which water or sewer utilities must
file a statement of intent to increase rates.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 13.187(p), Water Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(p) Except to implement a rate adjustment provision
approved by the regulatory authority by rule or ordinance, as
applicable, or to adjust the rates of a newly acquired utility
system, a utility or two or more utilities under common control and
ownership may not file a statement of intent to increase its rates
more than once in a 36-month [12-month] period, unless the
regulatory authority determines that a financial hardship exists. A
utility or two or more utilities under common control and ownership
must file a statement of intent to increase its rates no later than
60 months after the effective date of the utility's last rate
increase unless the utility can show good cause to delay the filing.
If the regulatory authority requires the utility to deliver a
corrected statement of intent, the utility is not considered to be
in violation of the 36-month [12-month] filing requirement.
SECTION 2. Section 13.187(p), Water Code, as amended by
this Act, applies only to a statement of intent to increase rates
that is filed on or after the effective date of this Act. A
statement that is filed before the effective date of this Act is
subject to the law in effect on the date of filing, and that law is
continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.