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HB 5651

Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Water Control and Improvement District No. 7; 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 Brandon Creighton and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a new Montgomery County water district with eminent domain powers and authority to levy taxes, fees, and bonds for drainage and water infrastructure projects.

See remarks for effective date
#montgomerycounty(g1122) #montgomerycountywatercontrolandimprovementdistrictno.7(d79fg) #specialdistricts&authorities--water&utility(i0755) #specialdistricts&authorities--watercontrolimprovedist.(i0012)
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Bill Summary · HB 5651

Legislative bill overview

HB 5651 establishes Montgomery County Water Control and Improvement District No. 7, a special-purpose district with authority to acquire land through eminent domain, issue bonds for infrastructure projects, and levy assessments, fees, and taxes on property owners within its boundaries. The bill grants this new governmental entity standard powers typically held by water districts in Texas to finance and manage water control and improvement projects.

Why is this important

Water control districts in Texas manage critical infrastructure including drainage, flood prevention, and water supply systems. Creating this district allows Montgomery County to address specific regional water management needs, though it simultaneously creates a new taxing entity that will impose financial obligations on property owners in the designated area. The district's ability to use eminent domain means private property may be acquired for public water projects.

Potential points of contention

  • Eminent domain concerns: Property owners may face forced land sales for district projects, raising questions about fair compensation and property rights
  • Tax burden: Establishment of a new taxing authority adds financial obligations to residents and businesses in the district, with assessment structures to be determined later
  • Accountability and governance: Questions about how district board members are selected, whether they're appointed or elected, and mechanisms for public oversight of spending and project decisions

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

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