Bill > SB18

This bill amends the Texas Water Code to create a permit exemption for certain local sponsors (districts or authorities) working with the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service on erosion, floodwater, and sediment control projects. Specifically, a qualified local sponsor may construct and maintain a dam or reservoir with up to 200 acre-feet of water storage without obtaining a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and can divert water as needed to repair and maintain the dam or reservoir. The exemption remains in effect even if the sponsor's agreement with the USDA is terminated, provided the dam or reservoir continues to be owned or controlled by the qualified local sponsor for erosion, floodwater, and sediment control purposes. The bill requires TCEQ to adopt implementation rules by April 1, 2026, and will take effect either immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the legislature or on the 91st day after the legislative session ends.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=SB18