Bill > SB7

This bill addresses comprehensive water infrastructure and development matters in Texas, focusing on the Texas Water Development Board's (TWDB) oversight and financing responsibilities. The bill creates a new subchapter establishing the board's responsibilities for water supply conveyance coordination, including facilitating joint planning between project sponsors, developing standardized infrastructure specifications, and ensuring potential interconnectivity between water transport systems. It expands the board's ability to use funds for various water-related projects, including desalination, water reuse, and infrastructure development, and increases the board's bonding capacity from $25 million to $100 million. The legislation also establishes a new Texas Water Fund Administrative Fund to support the board's administrative expenses and creates requirements for public reporting on water infrastructure progress, including developing an online tool that provides transparent information about water supply projects, financial assistance, and statewide water infrastructure needs. Additionally, the bill mandates an interim study on incorporating wastewater planning into the state water planning process and modifies the composition and responsibilities of the Texas Water Fund Advisory Committee. The bill is designed to enhance Texas's water infrastructure planning, financing, and management capabilities, with most provisions taking effect on September 1, 2025, subject to certain conditional implementations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB7