88R19965 KBB-F
By: Kacal, Price, Lalani, et al. H.B. No. 3990
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study of existing surface water and groundwater
interaction data and analyses.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
(1) "Board" means the Texas Water Development Board.
(2) "Commission" means the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality.
SECTION 2. SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER DATA ANALYSIS.
(a) The board, in cooperation with the commission, shall conduct a
study to:
(1) compile and review data and analyses from existing
studies conducted on the interaction between surface water and
groundwater in this state;
(2) identify areas of the state where there is a strong
degree of interaction between surface water and groundwater;
(3) identify areas of the state where there is a lack
of data regarding or there are inadequate models of the interaction
between surface water and groundwater; and
(4) in areas with a strong degree of interaction
between surface water and groundwater and where available data are
lacking or models are inadequate, determine a method to prioritize:
(A) additional data collection, including
streamflow gain-loss studies and long-term monitoring of
springflows; and
(B) updates of models and improvements to the
modeling of the interaction between surface water and groundwater.
(b) The board and the commission may coordinate with
groundwater conservation districts, river authorities,
governmental entities, and institutions of higher education in
compiling and reviewing existing data and analyses on the
interaction between surface water and groundwater in this state.
SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2024, the
board and the commission shall deliver to the governor, the
lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,
and each member of the legislature a report summarizing the
findings and recommendations of the board and the commission based
on the study conducted under Section 2 of this Act.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires January 1, 2025.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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, 2023.