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On June 22, Governor Greg Abbott vetoed SB1253, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Charles Perry and Representative Cecil Bell and cosponsored by Senator Sarah Eckhardt and Senator Carol Alvarado.
The bill related to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells, authorizing a fee. It initially passed the House by wide margins, but after an amendment by Representative Ramon Romero, Jr., a motion to reconsider was filed. That motion was unsuccessful, and the bill passed the House and moved to the Senate, where it passed 30-0.
Representative Carrie Isaac of House District 73, who initially voted in favor of SB1253 but was in favor of the motion to reconsider, said she was grateful to Governor Abbott for taking action.
“Governor Abbott’s veto of Senate Bill 1253 is a bold stand for private property rights and a rebuke of oppressive overtaxation,” Isaac said. “By rejecting this measure, he protects Texans from government overreach, ensuring landowners retain control over their hard-earned property and shielding citizens from the crushing weight of excessive tax burdens. This decisive action upholds the principles of liberty and fiscal responsibility that Texans cherish.”
The bill was one of 28 bills that Abbott vetoed from the 89th Regular Legislative Session. Six of those bills, including SB1253, will be placed on the upcoming Special Session agenda for further consideration. That session is set to begin Monday, July 21.
Representative Erin Zweiner of House District 45 said she is “deeply disappointed” in the Governor’s veto of SB1254, which would have given the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) essential tools to protect our local wells and streams.
“The HTGCD was created with one hand tied behind its back, and SB 1253 would have placed it on par with other groundwater districts in our region. The language was supported unanimously by the Hays County Commissioner's Court,” Zweiner said. “Unfortunately, the governor seems to have fallen prey to misinformation about the bill's supposed impact on private property rights.”
Zweiner said that SB 1253 would have protected the property rights of every single Hays County resident who relies on groundwater in their home or business.
“As someone who relies on a well myself, I am heartbroken that lies and scare tactics have won the day,” Zweiner said. “I urge the governor and other Hays County electeds to listen to the overwhelming public support for protecting our groundwater and support legislation in the upcoming special to give HTGCD the tools it needs.”
