VanDeaver Water Bill Adds Three Tests For Out-Of-Region Sources

The text as introduced · 294 words

89R5905 JAM-D

By: VanDeaver
H.B. No. 2620

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the inclusion of certain sources of water supply in

regional water plans.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 16.053, Water Code, is amended by adding

Subsection (e-3) to read as follows:

(e-3) In identifying potential sources of water supply to be

included in a regional water plan, including sites of unique value

for the construction of reservoirs identified under Subsection

(e)(6), a regional water planning group may not include in the plan

a source of water supply that requires the use of eminent domain and

is located in another regional water planning area unless the

planning group:

(1) demonstrates that all possible new sources of

water supply within the planning group's planning area, including

desalination projects and projects to expand and improve existing

water supply sources, will be insufficient to meet the planning

area's future water needs;

(2) demonstrates that all potentially feasible water

management strategies identified under Subsection (e)(5)(C) have

been implemented throughout the planning group's planning area; and

(3) submits to the board a report that:

(A) identifies, analyzes, and quantifies any

negative effects on residents of the area where the proposed source

of water supply is located resulting from the development of that

water supply, including negative ecological, economic, and

educational effects; and

(B) includes a mitigation plan that alleviates

any negative effects identified in the study.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.