Governor Abbott Vetoes HB 2943 (85R)

June 15, 2017 | Austin, Texas

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto House Bill No. 2943 as passed by the Eighty-Fifth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections: 

House Bill 2943 makes several changes to the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund, most of which can be administered without the statutory mandates prescribed by this legislation.  Such statutory mandates are unnecessary and tie the hands of program administrators, impeding the State’s ability to continue the program’s positive impacts on the promotion of quality water.  The bill also lengthens the allowable term of loans made by the program, thus extending the program’s debt liability.  Additionally, while conservation easements can serve a valid purpose, using acquisition of easements is not the best use of this particular fund. 

Since the Eighty-Fifth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this 15th day of June, 2017. 

 

GREG ABBOTT
Governor of Texas

 

View the Veto Proclamation