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HB 5655

Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District No. 13; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Gary Gates and 1 co-sponsor

Texas creates Fort Bend County Water District No. 13 with authority to tax, assess properties, issue bonds, and exercise limited eminent domain for water control infrastructure.

See remarks for effective date
#fortbendcountywatercontrolandimprovementdistrictno.13(dg34s) #specialdistricts&authorities--water&utility(i0755) #specialdistricts&authorities--watercontrolimprovedist.(i0012)
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Bill Summary · HB 5655

Legislative bill overview

HB 5655 creates Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District No. 13, a new special-purpose governmental entity authorized to manage water infrastructure and flood control in a designated area. The district is granted powers to exercise limited eminent domain, issue bonds for capital projects, and impose assessments, fees, and taxes on property within its jurisdiction.

Why is this important

Water control districts are critical infrastructure vehicles in Texas that fund drainage systems, flood mitigation, and water management through local taxation rather than general state funds. This new district directly affects property owners in the specified area through assessments and taxes, and shapes long-term development patterns by controlling water resources and flood risk.

Potential points of contention

  • Eminent domain authority: The "limited power of eminent domain" allows the district to seize private property for public water management purposes, which concerns property rights advocates despite typical restrictions on such powers.
  • Tax and assessment burden: Property owners within the district boundaries become subject to new fees, assessments, and taxes with limited ability to opt out, raising questions about representation and financial burden on existing residents.
  • Governance and accountability: Special districts operate with their own boards and budgets somewhat independently from county oversight, creating concerns about transparency, public participation, and accountability to affected residents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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