SRC-ARR S.B. 76 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 76 By: Truan Border Affairs 8/9/1999 Enrolled DIGEST Currently, Texas law provides general direction for the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) to develop water availability models for the state's river basins. A water availability model accounts for all existing water rights, uses, and demands on a river to determine how much water is available and under what conditions it is available. TNRCC has no plans to develop a water availability model for the Rio Grande S.B. 76 requires TNRCC to develop a water availability model for the Rio Grande. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 76 requires the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission to develop a water availability model for the Rio Grande. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 16.012, Water Code, by adding a new Subsection (h), and redesignating existing Subsections (h), (i), and (j) as Subsections (i), (j), and (k), as follows: (h) Requires the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) to obtain or to develop an updated water supply model for the Rio Grande before December 31, 2003. Requires the model to encompass to the extent practicable the significant water demands within the watershed of the river as well as the unique geology and hydrology of the region, recognizing that the Rio Grande is an international river touching on three states of the United States and five states of the United Mexican States and draining an area larger than the State of Texas. Authorizes TNRCC to collect data from all jurisdictions that allocate the water of the river, including jurisdictions outside this state. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Provides that the implementation of Subsection (h), Section 16.012, Water Code, as added by this Act, is contingent on the appropriation by the 77th Legislature of funds for the purpose of that subsection. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.