Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

What did the Small Bill of 1929 accomplish?

1. It increased state ownership of stream beds

2. It relinquished state rights to old stream beds

3. It allowed private ownership of all waterways

4. It established new fishing rights for residents

The correct answer is: It relinquished state rights to old stream beds

The Small Bill of 1929 was significant in reshaping the management of Texas's waterways. It accomplished the relinquishment of state rights to old stream beds, which means that the state recognized the rights of landowners to control the stream beds that had historically been considered state property. This legislation was pivotal because it shifted the control of numerous waterways from the state to private landowners, thereby impacting water management and riparian rights in Texas significantly. Understanding this historical context is essential. Prior to this bill, the state held considerable authority over navigable waters and their surrounding lands, with the idea that these resources were held in trust for public use. The Small Bill represented a substantial policy shift in favor of private property rights, which influenced subsequent legislation and land use regarding water resources in Texas. Consequently, the implications of this bill are still felt today in discussions about water rights and management in the state.