HB 1177
AN ACT relating to the creation of the criminal offense of diverting or
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Creates a criminal offense for intentionally diverting or impounding surface water in a way that causes property damage through overflow. Individuals who violate water diversion rules will face legal consequences, with first-time offenders receiving a Class C misdemeanor and subsequent offenders receiving a Class B misdemeanor. The law aims to protect property owners from water-related damage caused by improper water management practices.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to the creation of the criminal offense of diverting or impounding the flow of surface water in a manner that damages the property of another by the overflow of the water diverted or BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 7, Water Code, is amended by adding Section 7.1425 to read as follows: Sec. 7.1425. VIOLATION RELATING TO OVERFLOW CAUSED BY DIVERSION OF WATER. (a) A person who violates Section 11.086(a) commits an offense. A first offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. A subsequent offense under this section is a Class B (b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor filled the mouth of a gully or slough up to the height of the adjoining banks of a river or creek as provided by Section SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the creation of the criminal offense of diverting or
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