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AN ACT
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relating to the authority of a water and sewer utility to collect |
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voluntary contributions on behalf of a local library. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Sections 13.143(a), (b), and (d), Water Code, |
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are amended to read as follows: |
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(a) A utility may implement as part of its billing process a |
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program under which the utility collects from its customers a |
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voluntary contribution, including a voluntary membership or |
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subscription fee, on behalf of a local library, a volunteer fire |
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department, or an emergency medical service. |
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(b) A utility that collects contributions under this |
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section shall provide each customer at the time that the customer |
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first becomes a customer, and at least annually thereafter, a |
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written statement: |
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(1) describing the procedure by which the customer may |
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make a contribution with the customer's bill payment; |
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(2) designating the local library, volunteer fire |
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department, or emergency medical service to which the utility will |
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deliver the contribution; |
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(3) informing the customer that a contribution is |
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voluntary; and |
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(4) describing the deductibility status of the |
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contribution under federal income tax law. |
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(d) The utility shall promptly deliver contributions that |
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it collects under this section to the designated local library, |
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volunteer fire department, or emergency medical service, except |
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that the utility may keep from the contributions an amount equal to |
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the lesser of: |
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(1) the utility's expenses in administering the |
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contribution program; or |
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(2) five percent of the amount collected as |
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contributions. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2013. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 693 was passed by the House on May 2, |
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2013, by the following vote: Yeas 145, Nays 2, 2 present, not |
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voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 693 was passed by the Senate on May |
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17, 2013, by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 0. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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APPROVED: _____________________ |
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Date |
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_____________________ |
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Governor |