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March 8, 2013 | Regular Session, Issue 9

Real Property Rights HB 677, by Representative Charlie Geren (R-River Oaks), exempts dams that are located in the unincorporated area of a county with a population of less than 350,000, and impounds less than 500 acre-feet of surface water from TCEQ dam safety requirements for dams located on private property. However, these dams must still be constructed and maintained to TCEQ safety standards.

TFB supports HB 677. (TFB Policy 148, pg. 47, lines 1-4 and pg. 48, lines 20-23.)

Taxation HB 1943, by Representative Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston), limits the increase in the appraised value of the residence homestead for ad valorem taxation from 10 percent to 5 percent. SB 154, by Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston), is the companion bill to HB 1943.

TFB supports HB 1943 and SB 154. (TFB Policy 140, pg. 31, lines 2-4.)

SB 933, by Senator (D-Fort Worth), lifts a cap on the amount of funds that can be given to Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission from the sale, storage or use of sporting goods.

The previously reported HB 162 by Representative Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) and SB 175 by Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) are companion bills to SB 933.

TFB supports SB 933, HB 162 and SB 175. (TFB Policy 141, pg. 39, lines 134-136.)

Transportation SB 1029, by Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels), further prohibits TxDOT from converting non-tolled state highways to toll roads by removing existing statutes that provide exceptions for the Texas Transportation Commission to redesignate existing roads as tolled lanes. The previously reported HB 1054, by Representative George Lavender (R- https://ui.constantcontact.com/visualeditor/visual_editor_preview.jsp?agent.uid=1112698912826&format=html&print=true 1/3 3/8/13 Austin Newsletter Texarkana), is the companion bill to SB 1029.

TFB supports SB 1029 and HB 1054. (TFB Policy 158, pg. 75, line 110.)

Environmental Regulation HB 2082, by Representative Allan Ritter (R-Nederland) and SB 957 by Senator Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay), amends the administrative review procedures for various environmental permits. The proposed legislation would streamline the review of final permit decisions by establishing a 30-day window to protest the terms of a permit. The bills streamline the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) procedures and prevent multiple challenges to permits to reduce the time necessary and financial burdens required to defend the permitting process.

TFB supports HB 2082 and SB 957. (TFB Policy 145, pg. 44, line 24-28 and 33-35.)

Water Conservation SB 198, by Senator Kirk Watson (D-Austin), prevents property owners' associations from placing restrictions on "using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving turf." SB 198 was voted from the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

TFB supports SB 198. (TFB Policy 153, pg. 66, lines 138-141.)

Texas Farm Bureau State Legislative Team Billy Howe, State Legislative Director Issue areas: Natural Resources and Environmental Regulation E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: tfbaustinlegis

Ken Hodges, Associate Legislative Director Issue Areas: Agriculture Commodities, Animal Issues, Energy, Election Law and Labor E-mail: [email protected] Waco Office: 254-751-8741

Norman Garza Jr., Associate Legislative Director Issue Areas: Eminent Domain, Transportation, Criminal Justice and Utility Regulation Email: [email protected]

Seth Terry, Associate Legislative Director Issue Areas: Taxes, Property Rights, Rural Affairs, Wildlife and Local Government Email: [email protected]

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Contact State Office Austin Office P.O. Box 2689 1005 Congress, Suite 555 Waco, Texas 76702-2689 Austin, Texas 78701 254.772.3030 512.472.8288 Fax: 512.472.9120

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