SRC-PNG S.B. 1310 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 1310
By: Brown
Natural Resources
3/29/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

The devastating environmental and economic effects of the droughts of 1996
and 1998 have increased the importance of water planning and its effects on
agriculture, the largest water users in the state's economy.  The Texas
Department of Agriculture has expressed interest in being a more active
participant in the water resources planning activities ongoing throughout
the state.  This bill more directly involves the Texas Department of
Agriculture in the water resource planning and management activities of the
state. 

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 1310 provides for representation of agricultural
interests in the water resource planning and management activities of the
state. 

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 15.4061(h), Water Code, to require the board to
require that regional water plans developed or revised under contracts
entered into under this section be made available to the Department of
Agriculture. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 15.7031(c), Water Code, to authorize the
Department of Agriculture (department) to provide input to the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission (commission), as appropriate,
during the review and approval process for dedication of water rights.  
SECTION 3. Amends Sections 16.012(c) and (j), Water Code, to authorize the
department to provide advice to the executive administrator, where
appropriate, regarding any of the duties to be performed under Subsection
(b).  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 16.051(d), Water Code, to require the board to
review and update the guidance principles, with input from the commission,
the department, and the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), as necessary
, but at least every five years to coincide with the five-year cycle for
adoption of a new water plan as described in Subsection (a).  Makes a
conforming change. 

SECTION 5.  Amends Section 16.053(c), Water Code, to require the initial
coordinating board to designate additional representatives if necessary to
ensure adequate representation from the interests comprising that region.
Requires the regional water planning group to maintain adequate
representation from those interests.  Requires representatives of the
board, TPWD, and the department to serve as ex officio members of each
regional water planning group.   Makes conforming and nonsubstantive
changes. 

SECTION 6. Amends Section 16.054(a), Water Code, to authorize the
department to provide input and assistance, as appropriate, for such
planning. 

SECTION 7. Amends Section 17.895, Water Code, to authorize the board or
lender districts to seek the advice of the department regarding the
feasibility of a project for which a conservation loan is  sought, for the
purposes of this section. 

SECTION 8. Amends Section 26.121(a), Water Code, to make a conforming
change. 

SECTION 9. Amends Section 26.127, Water Code, to authorize the executive
director, on behalf of and with the consent of the commission, to enter
into contracts or other agreements with the department for purposes of
obtaining laboratory services for water quality testing. 

SECTION 10. Amends Section 35.007(e), Water Code, to authorize the
department to also provide input to the executive director for purposes of
the report. 

SECTION 11. Amends Section 35.012(d), Water Code, to make a conforming
change. 

SECTION 12. Amends Section 35.013(d), Water Code, to make a conforming
change. 

SECTION 13. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.