Chairman Bettencourt laid out House Bill 15 32 and recognized Senate sponsor Senator Craig Creighton to explain the measure.

Senator Creighton said the Lake Houston area has suffered severe flooding and that dredging "is a key flood mitigation strategy to blunt the effects of flooding." He described House Bill 15 32 as a measure that "would establish the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District dedicated to maintaining and restoring Lake Houston and its tributaries."

Creighton said the district would not have authority to impose taxes, charge fees or exercise eminent domain; instead, it could issue bonds secured by district revenue and enter into voluntary interlocal agreements. He added the bill contains water-quality protections and requires approval from the City of Houston public works department before dredging operations begin.

Creighton explained the district’s revenue model: the dredged material (aggregate) would be sold with required approvals and that sale would generate revenue to fund district operations. Committee members, including Senator West and Senator Middleton, spoke in favor and noted the proposal as a creative funding mechanism to address siltation and restore capacity post-Hurricane Harvey.

Senator Nichols moved to report the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it be passed; the clerk called the roll. The vote was recorded as 7 ayes, 0 nays, and Senate leadership announced "House bill 15 32 does pass." The committee reported the bill to the full Senate.