Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Texas water management'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This reservoir is meant to be Texas water.
  • I'm the general manager of Tarrant Regional Water District.
  • person was that said, "This is Texas water."
  • Does the water belong to Texas, or does the water belong where it landed?
  • We do have Texas Water...
Summary: The meeting addressed critical water management issues in Texas, with significant discussions revolving around House Bill 5188 and House Bill 2109. Representative Lopez presented HB 5188, focusing on addressing the statewide water crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for managing water supplies effectively. The bill aims to facilitate the development of brackish groundwater sources as alternative water supplies while reducing the regulatory burden associated with it. Members engaged in a thorough debate regarding the implications of the bill, particularly its environmental impacts and the benefits it brings to various communities, especially those facing severe water shortages.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll show you registered as Jesse Milanovich on behalf of the Texas Water Development Board, testifying
  • This ASR project is a cornerstone for water security in Central Texas.
  • House Bill 5219 simply directs the Texas Water Development
  • Texas faces increasingly complex water challenges from

  • My name is Paul Siegel, and I serve as the general manager for the North Texas Groundwater Conservation
Summary: In this meeting, the committee engaged in extensive discussions surrounding House Bill 1523, which addresses the City of Austin's Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project. Representative Gerdes laid out substantial concerns regarding the potential risks posed to local aquifers, as he emphasized the lack of transparency and community engagement by the City of Austin. Testimonies from members of the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District supported the bill, citing worries about adverse chemical reactions and the implications for groundwater as crucial reasons for opposing the project. Conversely, representatives from the City of Austin expressed the necessity of the ASR project for regional water supply planning and addressed the purported benefits it would provide.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Williamson County Water Plant supplies treated water

  • This bill is about improving how we manage two critical resources: water and flood infrastructure.
  • I show you registered as Kendall Cowell on behalf of the Texas Water Development Board.
  • In the event that a desired future plan is challenged, HB3609 allows the Texas Water Development Board
  • I show you registered as Natalie Ballew on behalf of the Texas Water Development Board.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the consideration of several water-related bills, including HB1618, HB2970, HB3609, and HB3628. Representative Harris introduced HB1618, which aims to facilitate aquifer storage and recovery projects in Williamson County to support growth and address drought issues. Multiple witnesses testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for effective water management in a rapidly growing area. The discussion highlighted the increasing water demands along the I-35 corridor. Representative Paul advocated for HB2970, which codifies navigation safety measures for the Houston Ship Channel, a vital component for Texas's economy. This bill is linked to a major federal project intended to protect against storm surges while ensuring two-way traffic on the channel.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill seeks to amend Chapter 28.8a of the Texas Water Code by implementing planning and financial
  • Currently, the Texas Water Code establishes floodplain

  • My name is Stacey Steinbach, Executive Director of the Texas Water Association.
  • TWA is a statewide association focusing on water supply and management.
  • distressed area program of the Texas Water Development Board
Summary: The recent committee meeting addressed various critical bills, focusing primarily on water management and flood control across Texas. Notable discussions included House Bill 1177, which proposes introducing stricter penalties for floodplain violations, aiming to deliver swift accountability for ongoing offenses. Representative Cunningham highlighted the urgency of this issue, emphasizing that current enforcement mechanisms lead to prolonged legal challenges, which can heighten flood risks for vulnerable communities. This bill sparked numerous inquiries from members, showcasing the committee's commitment to improving flood management legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA) is a nonprofit with a membership of over 900 utilities that
  • based largely on aquifer boundaries and coordinated through the Texas Water Development Board.
  • ...our water systems in Texas.
  • Without a doubt, Texas needs more water.

  • There's not enough water in Texas.
Summary: The recent committee meeting showcased significant discussions around various groundwater management bills, emphasizing legislative accountability and environmental conservation efforts. Notably, HB4896 was presented, which aims to streamline the designation of brackish groundwater production zones, facilitating better management of Texas' water resources. Testimonies from multiple stakeholders underscored the necessity for transparency in groundwater conservation districts and the importance of adapting to climate impacts. Additionally, House Bill 4212 aimed to enhance interagency communication pertaining to land and water conservation, further stressing a collaborative approach to resource management.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The beauty of the Texas Water Fund is that because it.
  • There's a tremendous need for water supply and water infrastructure in Texas.
  • We're also part of the Texas Living Water.
  • Accurate groundwater science is critical to ensuring robust water planning and management in Texas.
  • As Texas continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable and well-managed water infrastructure.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed critical water infrastructure issues, focusing primarily on H.J.R. 7 and HB 1400. Members emphasized the urgent need for dedicated funding to tackle Texas's impending water crisis, as population growth and drought significantly strain current water resources. Notable discussions included testimonies from representatives of the Environmental Defense Fund and the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, who expressed strong support for these bills, underlining their importance in improving groundwater management and funding scientific approaches to water conservation. The committee highlighted the necessity of equipping groundwater conservation districts with resources to ensure robust groundwater science and research.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and allows the Texas Water Development Board establish a
  • Implementation Fund for Texas, or the SWIFT, financial assistance to be posted on the Texas Water Development
  • Good morning, I'll show you as Kendall Cowell on behalf of the Texas Water Development Board.
  • Even as a water resource, this project doesn't qualify under traditional Texas...
  • Members, roughly half of all water in Texas gets used for watering lawns.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was primarily focused on water management and infrastructure issues, highlighted by discussions surrounding several bills intended to address water supply and flood control. Representative Kitzman presented HB1535, which aims to extend the sunset review date for the Trinity River Authority, ensuring continued governance and operational improvements. Furthermore, HB3915 was introduced as a multi-purpose flood mitigation measure, offering solutions to the severe water scarcity in the region, particularly following recent catastrophic flooding events that emphasized the urgent need for improved water management. Public commentary reflected a strong interest in flood mitigation strategies, especially given the impacts of climate change and rapid population growth in the area.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • which is the Central Texas Water Alliance.
  • What makes the Central Texas Water Alliance so important is the financial efficiency.
  • So that's why Texas requires these water loss audits, is to get us to better answers.
  • Ninety-nine percent of the drinking water in rural Texas comes from groundwater.
  • I went through the Texas Water Development Board database.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing several important water-related bills, including HB391, HB420, and HB2626 among others. Representative Bell presented updates on HB391 related to accountability for rural water districts, achieving a consensus for statewide applicability and allowing for virtual meetings. Multiple testimonies were heard, showcasing both support for and concerns regarding the bills, specifically emphasizing the significance of maintaining water resources and addressing community needs amid Texas's growth. Representative Buckley advocated for HB2626 aimed at establishing the Central Texas Water Alliance to ensure sustainable water management across the region, which involves collaboration among various public, private, and state entities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 4329 directs the Texas Water Development...
  • This session we are intent on promoting water infrastructure and preparing Texas for tomorrow's water
  • Water management strategy in the state water plan with
  • water, there’s not a magic single answer on how we solve water issues in Texas.
  • But if we can get water from East Texas, if we can join with Upper Trinity Regional Water District, if
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss two key pieces of legislation, HB2867 and HB2876, focusing on late fees associated with water and sewer services in Texas. Representative Gates laid out HB2867, highlighting the financial implications of payment deadlines and fees that disproportionately affect low-income households. He emphasized the need for limits on late payment fees to protect these vulnerable consumers from potentially abusive practices. A committee substitute was proposed to clarify some ambiguous language within the bill, aiming to promote fairness and transparency for customers. This led to a robust discussion among members and stakeholders present at the meeting, including testimony from representatives of municipal utilities who raised concerns about local control over fee structures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas.
  • but for the whole state of Texas.
  • Members, today we are joined by several groups from across our state of Texas for the Texas Legislative
  • As you know, Texas history in many ways began in East Texas, and that is evident all over Rusk County
  • It's an honor to have you here in the Texas Senate today. Welcome to your Texas Senate.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on a variety of bills, with notable discussions surrounding SB842, which clarifies protections for ringside physicians during combative sports events. This bill aims to enhance the recruitment of these physicians by granting them immunity from civil liability, barring cases of gross negligence. It received unanimous support, passing without objection. Additionally, SB35 was thoroughly debated. The bill, relating to design bill contracts, was also unanimously passed after discussions revealed concerns over how tailored contracts could restrict competition within the bidding process. Senators voiced their support for the bill and acknowledged the balance it strikes between regulation and opportunity.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part III) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Representatives, we are faith leaders from across Texas who value religious freedom for all.
  • Both the U.S. and Texas constitutions guarantee our right.
  • That's what Texas stands for.
  • We will not let it happen in Texas.
  • The Texas Senate, with the passage of the committee

Summary: During this session of the Senate, the primary focus was on Senate Bill 10, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The bill instigated a heated debate among members. Senator Menendez led the opposition, arguing that the law would infringe upon the diverse religious rights of Texas students by promoting a singular faith perspective, thereby disregarding the multi-faith background of the state. His statements emphasized the need to respect all beliefs and parental rights regarding spiritual education for their children. The session saw a sizable attendance, reflecting broad interest in the implications of such legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Natural Resources Aug 21st, 2025 at 02:08 pm

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Water management in Texas is critical, not just for urban growth, but also for agricultural communities
  • In Northeast Texas, that's less than 0.3% of the water that is sitting.
  • Divided by the total storage from the Texas Water Development Board.
  • Water Association, which is a statewide policy association focused on water supply and management.
  • companies that build water infrastructure across the state of Texas.
Bills: HB24, HB27
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on House Bill 24 and House Bill 27, which pertain to groundwater management in Texas. Representative Ashby expressed appreciation for the committee's efforts and emphasized the significance of these discussions, given the ongoing concerns around groundwater conservation in East Texas. The committee engaged in detailed dialogue regarding the implications of groundwater exports and the need for scientific studies to understand the potential impacts on local water resources. House Bill 27 aims to conduct a scientific study on the aquifers, requiring a temporary moratorium on new export permits to facilitate better data-driven decision-making. Public testimony included a wide range of stakeholders who shared perspectives on the importance of maintaining a balance between urban growth and rural water needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 18th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...an entire management crew in North Texas that, as we mentioned
  • I mean, people from all over North Texas, all over Texas.
  • Water is crucial for agricultural, municipal, and industrial purposes, particularly in Texas.
  • If you're going to talk about moving water from another country to Texas.
  • I'm on water and agriculture.
Summary: The meeting focused on various legislative matters but did not involve significant discussions on specific bills or topics. There appeared to be a lack of contention or substantial debate, with members mainly reiterating procedural updates. The overall atmosphere was calm, and there was an evident absence of public comment or witness testimony, which typically enriches legislative discussions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources May 14th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas Water Bank was established in 1993 to facilitate the transfer, sale, or lease of water rights.
  • Four years later, the legislature created the Texas Water Trust, a program within the bank to.
  • I'm the General Counsel of the Texas Rural Water Association.
  • supply while meeting the requirements of the Texas Water Code.
  • These out-of-state corporations and water holders, they don't care about Texas.
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss several key bills addressing water management in Texas. Notable among these was SB2660, which aims to equip groundwater districts with improved management tools to handle the growing population's water needs. Support for the bill was voiced by constituents including the Hayes Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, emphasizing the necessity for proper resources to manage the aquifer sustainably. Additionally, discussions around SB1965 and SB1624 focused on enhancing the regulations surrounding water conservation and backflow prevention. There was notable public testimony both for and against these bills, highlighting the concern for public health and safety as well as the vested interests of landowners and water operators in the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part I) Aug 18th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We ask, Father God, that you bless the people of Texas.
  • For all the families that are suffering in Central Texas

Summary: The meeting began with an invocation led by Senator Dan Parker, who prayed for guidance in legislative decisions and comfort for families affected by recent tragedies in Central Texas. Following the invocation, the Secretary called the roll, establishing the presence of numerous members. The session focused on legislative initiatives addressing pressing community issues, with members expressing their thoughts on various bills. Notably, discussions included concerns surrounding public safety and community support initiatives aimed to alleviate hardships faced by the constituents.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is the "Texas is Booming" bill.
  • Association of Counties, Texas Municipal League, or Texas Association of School Boards from providing
  • The Texas Municipal League has an ethics code for their city managers' association, and part of that
  • here in Texas.
  • Association of School Administrators, Texas PTA, Texas County Treasurer's Association, Texas Association
Bills: SCR5, SCR13, SB3, SB6, SB10, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB18, SB19, SB24, SB35, SB57, SB65, SB112, SB284, SB290, SB388, SB400, SB402, SB412, SB495, SB499, SB502, SB509, SB621, SB706, SB740, SB815, SB842, SB854, SB875, SB893, SB917, SB974, SB1025, SB1061, SB1073, SB1106, SB1268, SB1281, SB1300, SB1362, SB1379, SB1447, SB1451, SB1555, SB1902, SJR36, SJR12, SCR13, SCR25, SCR5, SCR22, SCR12, SCR24, SB495, SB412, SB10, SB18, SB565, SB372, SB842, SB765, SB62, SB19, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB706, SB847, SB290, SB13, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB504, SB917, SB925, SB388, SB1902, SB1121, SB995, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB35, SB6, SB815, SB3, SB1281, SB1379, SB1300, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB1451, SB1061, SB15, SB65, SB241, SB304, SB402, SB499, SB621, SB974, SB1023, SB1024, SB1025, SB1106, SB686, SB112, SB371, SB204, SB400, SB609, SB1447, SB670, SB502, SB427, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1555, SB1362, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB987, SB1539, SB893, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB509, SB985, SB965, SB17, SB1119, SB1505, SB12, SB24, SB57, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1532, SB1268, SB1302, SB856, SB650, SB583, SB673, SB840, SJR57, SCR8, SB213, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB378, SB610, SB918, SB1343, SB608, SB487, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB958, SB535, SB761, SB1, SB541, SB315, SB379, SB1018, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB3, SB6, SB15, SB35, SB290, SB706, SB842, SB917, SB1281, SB1451, SB1902, SB12, SB13, SB17, SB19, SB388, SR261, SR265, SR276, SR277, SR281, SR286, SR293, SCR5, SCR13, SB2425, SB2880, SB10, SB12, SB13, SB17, SB18, SB19, SB388, SB412, SB495, SB2425, SB2880
Summary: The committee convened to discuss SB13, which seeks to regulate the presence of sexually explicit materials in school libraries. The session was marked by a strong emphasis on protecting minors from harmful content, drawing significant bipartisan support. Senator Paxton initiated the motion to consider the bill, highlighting prior legislative efforts to guard against exposure to explicit materials, including unanimous passage of measures like age verification for online pornographic sites and the SCOPE Act, designed to shield minors on social media platforms. In-depth discussions unfolded regarding the selection and oversight of library materials, framed around community standards and developmental suitability for children. Concerns were expressed about maintaining access to important educational resources while ensuring content appropriateness in libraries.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • And I love the statement, "Texas runs on water." The world runs on water. So, it's disingenuous.
  • Water resources is something that the Texas Water Development
  • The Texas Water...
  • Since then, the TCEQ, in consultation with the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Parks and
  • rights placed in the Texas Water Trust.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on a variety of bills primarily concerning water management and rights. Significant discussions included House Bill 3333, which addressed the management of groundwater and was moved favorably with a recommendation for local and contested calendars. Additionally, House Bill 4158 was passed unanimously, relating to the oversight of ecological water rights dedicated to the Texas Water Trust. Members of the committee emphasized the importance of these bills for sustainable water management practices in the state, reflecting a shift towards more responsible governance in resource use.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Feb 24th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • She was appointed to the Texas Water Development Board.
  • I wanted to ask, could you speak to where you are on the Texas Water Fund?
  • And then talking about the Texas Water Fund.

  • Yes, the Texas Water Fund, as you know, was approved last session.
  • Miller, we are excited about the Texas Water Fund and, of course, we're all excited...
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial issues, including the Texas Water Fund and its implications for development in the state. Various members highlighted the critical need for effective management of water resources, discussing the role of the Water Development Board and their strategies for outreach to local governments. The committee engaged in a thorough examination of funding projects and the sustainable financing necessary for communities facing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs. Additionally, there was notable discussion regarding promoting workforce development and the alignment of educational programs with the demands of the job market as indicated by recent trends in community colleges.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • It is Texas Water Day at the Capitol.

  • Day activity from the Water Caucus and the Texas Water Foundation.
  • I'm Laura Zent with the Texas Rural Water Association.
  • planning and research as authorized by the Texas Water Code.
  • water management, drought response, and flooding issues become more critical to sustain.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs convened to discuss multiple key pieces of legislation focused on water management, emergency response, and related matters commemorating Texas Water Day. Notably, Senate Bill 790, introduced by Senator Alvarado, seeks to implement a simplified resolution process for tenant complaints regarding water discrepancies, which could reduce lengthy administrative hearings. During the session, several bills were passed without opposition, including SB971, which cleaned up inconsistent definitions related to rural political subdivisions, and SB1066, which amended payment and performance bond thresholds, promoting more local vendor access for community projects. The discussions revealed the committee's intent to streamline processes and better address the ongoing challenges faced in water management and emergency services, which are becoming increasingly critical in the face of climate change and resource scarcity.

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