89R4698 GP-D
By: Eckhardt S.B. No. 526
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of green stormwater infrastructure in new state
buildings.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Subchapter I, Chapter 2166,
Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER I. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION [OF ENERGY
AND WATER]
SECTION 2. Subchapter I, Chapter 2166, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 2166.409 to read as follows:
Sec. 2166.409. GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE IN NEW
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION. (a) In this section, "green stormwater
infrastructure" means infrastructure that absorbs and treats
rainwater in order to limit erosion, habitat damage, property
damage, and water pollution caused by flooding and to protect water
quality, including rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavement,
green roofs and walls, and rain barrels.
(b) This section applies to the construction of a new state
building, including a building project otherwise exempt from this
chapter under Section 2166.003.
(c) The commission, or the governing body of the appropriate
agency that is undertaking a building project otherwise exempt from
this chapter under Section 2166.003, shall use green stormwater
infrastructure in the construction of a state building.
SECTION 3. (a) The changes in law made by this Act apply
only to a new state agency building contract or construction
project for which a state agency first advertises or otherwise
requests bids, proposals, offers, or qualifications, or makes a
similar solicitation, on or after the effective date of this Act.
(b) A new state agency building contract or construction
project for which a state agency first advertises or otherwise
requests bids, proposals, offers, or qualifications, or makes a
similar solicitation, before the effective date of this Act is
governed by the law as it existed immediately before the effective
date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that
purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.