Bill > HB1245

This bill amends the Texas Water Code to require drought contingency plans to include specific provisions related to water conservation during drought periods. The bill mandates that water use plans must now establish quantified water reduction targets, explicitly prohibit the use of water on nonresidential properties for irrigating "nonfunctional turf" (which will be defined by future commission rules) during water shortages, and outline methods for enforcing this prohibition. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is required to adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2026, and wholesale/retail water suppliers and irrigation districts must update their drought contingency plans by May 1, 2026 to comply with these new requirements. The bill removes previous language that only required such plans by a specific date in 2005 and replaces it with more comprehensive and specific conservation directives. The new regulations aim to reduce water usage during drought conditions by restricting irrigation of non-essential grassy areas on commercial or public properties. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving entities time to prepare for the new water conservation mandates.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1245