89R12896 ANG-F By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 2498 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the participation of certain counties in joint planning in groundwater management areas. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 36, Water Code, is amended by adding Section 36.1087 to read as follows: Sec. 36.1087. PARTICIPATION OF CERTAIN COUNTIES IN JOINT PLANNING FOR MANAGEMENT AREA. (a) A county that is located wholly or partly in a management area and that does not have within its boundaries a district located in the management area may participate in the joint planning process as provided by Sections 36.108 and 36.1081 through a representative designated by the governing body of the county. (b) A representative appointed under Subsection (a) is entitled to participate in the joint planning process in the same manner as a district representative in order to promote the county's interests in regional groundwater planning. The representative may present to the joint planning process information regarding desired future conditions and estimates of groundwater resources and availability. (c) The commission and the Texas Water Development Board shall provide to a county that has designated a representative under this section technical assistance in the joint planning process as necessary to further the county's interests in the outcome of the process. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.