HB 125 amends Texas law to define which counties must follow existing stormwater management regulations under Chapter 573 of the Local Government Code. It applies specifically to: counties with 2.8 million+ residents; districts coterminous with such counties that provide stormwater services; counties over 1.3 million with aquifer-based drinking water; or counties with 800,000+ residents containing part of the Edwards Aquifer or within the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area. The bill does not create new regulations but specifies the geographic and demographic criteria for which jurisdictions fall under the current stormwater management chapter. This change affects county governments and water authorities in those designated areas.
HB 292 regulates the application of biosolids (treated sewage sludge) on non-agricultural land like parks, golf courses, and athletic fields by requiring permits. It mandates detailed quarterly reporting on sludge sources, locations, application dates, and metal content, plus annual compliance verification with nutrient management plans. The bill also requires visible signage at application sites and immediate reporting of violations. These provisions apply to all non-agricultural land applications and specifically target agricultural land in counties with populations between 170,000 and 190,000. The bill does not prohibit biosolids use but establishes strict permitting and transparency requirements.
HB 13 requires Texas cities and counties (political subdivisions) to offer fee credits against water and wastewater impact fees to builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to projects that reduce water use, decrease wastewater infrastructure needs, or lower stormwater demand per service unit, including those exceeding standard efficiency requirements. Political subdivisions must establish fair procedures to calculate, apply, and approve these credits. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 160 prohibits the application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to non-agricultural land, such as public parks, golf courses, and athletic fields. It requires permits for any land application of biosolids on non-agricultural sites, with strict conditions including quarterly reporting on sludge source, location, metals content, and application dates. The bill amends Texas Health and Safety Code Section 361.121 to define "land application unit" and adds new reporting requirements for permit holders. It directly affects municipalities, park departments, and private entities managing non-agricultural land where biosolids might otherwise be used. The law does not restrict agricultural land applications, which are addressed in a separate new section (361.1211).
SB 14 requires local governments in Texas to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees for builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to facilities that reduce water use, decrease wastewater treatment needs, lower stormwater demands, or exceed standard efficiency requirements. Local governments must establish fair procedures to calculate and approve these credits. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly benefiting developers who invest in qualifying water-saving infrastructure.
