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.