SRC-PNG S.B. 1310 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1310 By: Brown Natural Resources 3/29/1999 As Filed 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 would more directly involve the Texas Department of Agriculture in the water resource planning and management activities of the state. PURPOSE As proposed, 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.