By: Zwiener H.B. No. 96
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the adoption of a water conservation program by a
county.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 562, Local Government Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter C to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER C. WATER CONSERVATION
Sec. 562.051. WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS. (a) In this
section, "agricultural operation" has the meaning assigned by
Section 251.002, Agriculture Code.
(b) The commissioners court of a county by order may adopt a
water conservation program. A water conservation program adopted
under this section may establish for the unincorporated area of the
county only:
(1) rules for residential water use restrictions
during periods of drought; and
(2) water conservation standards applicable to the
residential development of a subdivision of a tract of land, the
development of which begins after August 31, 2024.
(c) Water use restrictions established under Subsection
(b)(1) may not apply to an agricultural operation.
(d) To the extent of a conflict between a county order
adopted under this section and a municipal ordinance regulating the
same conduct, the ordinance prevails.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect January 1, 2024.