SRC-MKV S.B. 1441 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1441 77R6557 DAK-FBy: Truan Natural Resources 3/18/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE As Texas approaches full utilization of water supplies, the water available to sustain wetlands has decreased. At the same time, coastal wetlands and estuaries serve many beneficial purposes which include, but are not limited to, flood attenuation, pollutant digestion or entrapment, habitat for many aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species, and nursery and breeding habitat for aquatic species, including those with high economic value. As proposed, S.B. 1441 permits the owner of a water right to divert water from its appropriation into wetlands to enhance estuaries without obtaining an additional permit or authority under Chapter 11 of the Water Code. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 11J, Water Code, by adding Section 11.507, as follows: Sec. 11.507. WETLAND ENHANCEMENT. Authorizes an owner of a right to appropriate water of the state to, without obtaining an additional permit or authority under this chapter, divert water from its appropriation into wetlands for enhancement of estuaries under certain conditions. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.