H.B. No. 5172 amends Section 49.011 of the Water Code to enhance the process for creating a district or adding lands to an existing district by the commission. The bill introduces new provisions requiring the commission to issue a notice indicating the administrative completeness of applications for both the creation of a district and the addition of lands. It mandates that applicants publish this notice in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks prior to the commission's action and requires the commission to notify relevant state representatives and senators about the application.

Additionally, the bill establishes a procedure for public hearings, stipulating that the commission may proceed without a hearing if none is requested within a specified timeframe. If a hearing is requested, affected parties, particularly taxing units or water service providers, must post a bond to cover potential costs incurred during the hearing process. The bill also outlines the financial responsibilities of the parties involved based on the outcome of the hearing, ensuring that costs are reimbursed appropriately. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 49.011 (Water Code 49)