The bill, S.B. No. 790, proposes the addition of Section 13.5051 to Subchapter M of Chapter 13 in the Water Code, establishing a simplified complaint process for tenants disputing water or wastewater service bills with property owners. The Public Utility Commission of Texas is granted the authority to adopt rules for this streamlined procedure, which specifically addresses complaints filed under Sections 13.503, 13.5031, or 13.505. Notably, the bill stipulates that Chapter 2001 of the Government Code will not apply to the resolution of complaints handled through this new simplified process.

The bill is designed to enhance the efficiency of resolving customer complaints, particularly for tenants, by providing a more accessible and less formal avenue for addressing billing disputes. It is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

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