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 on the application. Additionally, the commission is required to notify state representatives and senators whose areas are affected by the proposed district or added lands.

The bill also establishes a procedure for public hearings, stipulating that the commission may act without a hearing unless requested by an affected party within a specified timeframe. If a hearing is requested, the bill requires affected parties, specifically taxing units or water service providers, to post a bond to cover potential costs incurred during the hearing process. The commission is tasked with determining the bond amount and ensuring reimbursement of costs based on the outcome of the hearing. Furthermore, the bill mandates that a copy of the commission's order regarding the petition be sent to cities with extraterritorial jurisdiction in the relevant counties.

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