The bill, S.B. No. 1446, amends the Texas Water Code to establish new regulations regarding the discontinuation, reduction, or impairment of water service during drought conditions. It specifies that a utility service provider cannot discontinue service to a certified service area without a certificate from the utility commission, except under certain circumstances. These circumstances now include nonpayment of charges for services, nonpayment of sewer service charges under specific agreements, nonuse, and the necessity to maintain adequate water supplies during drought conditions. Additionally, it allows for service discontinuation for other similar reasons in the usual course of business.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that retail public utilities without a certificate of public convenience and necessity may not reduce or impair service without regulatory authority approval. The amendments clarify the conditions under which these utilities can discontinue service, including nonpayment, nonuse, and the need to maintain adequate water supplies during droughts. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 13.250 (Water Code 13)