Sec. 8510.0407.  CHANGES TO RATES AND CHARGES.  (a) In this section, "affected person" has the meaning assigned by Section 13.002, Water Code.
(b)  The board shall establish a process to ensure that, before the authority makes a significant change to a rate or charge for the sale and use of water, affected persons are provided:
(1)  notice of the proposed change; and
(2)  an opportunity to provide to the board comments regarding the proposed change.
(c)  The process established under Subsection (b) must include:
(1)  the provision of notice of a proposed change:
(A)  on the authority's website; and
(B)  in an affected person's utility bills; and
(2)  appropriate informational meetings or rate hearings that provide affected persons the opportunity to provide public comments about the proposed change to be held:
(A)  before sending a statement of intent required under Chapter 13, Water Code;
(B)  in locations as necessary to enable affected persons to attend; and
(C)  after the provision of notice under Subdivision (1).
(d)  The board by rule shall establish a percentage change in a rate or charge such that a change greater than or equal to that percentage is considered significant for purposes of Subsection (b).
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 914 (H.B. 3530), Sec. 1.03, eff. April 1, 2023.