Texas House Bill HB3696

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing the Texas Water Research Program.

Impact

The bill amends the Texas Education Code, particularly by adding a new subchapter focused on the Texas Water Research Program, which will potentially reshape how Texas addresses water resources through research. It recognizes the crucial need to enhance water sustainability in the state, giving eligible higher education institutions a role in finding solutions. By providing grants for promising research efforts, the program aims to stimulate advancements in water policies and resource management.

Summary

House Bill 3696 establishes the Texas Water Research Program aimed at supporting research and innovative technologies related to water conservation and reuse. The bill outlines the specific roles of eligible institutions in conducting research that can enhance the state's water supply and reduce costs associated with new technologies. This program facilitates partnerships between the Texas Water Development Board and academic institutions to foster innovative solutions to pressing water resource challenges in Texas.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on vital research in water issues, there may be points of contention around the allocation of funds and the selection process for grants. Some stakeholders are likely to raise concerns about the criteria set by the Texas Water Development Board for awarding grants, including transparency in the process and ensuring that the research projects align sufficiently with the state's water policy goals. Additionally, there's an overarching tension regarding the balance of research interests between various institutions, particularly in the competitive landscape of funding and resource allocation.