SRC-TJG H.B. 1370 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1370
78R6311 MI-FBy: Luna (Lucio)
Administration
4/29/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

In recent years, there has been a vast improvement in water treatment
desalination technology.  There is a necessity for this state to continue
to develop  and maintain a diversified portfolio of drought-proof water
supply technology.  H.B. 1370 requires the Texas Water Development Board
(TWDB) to undertake and participate in research, feasibility, and facility
planning studies, investigations and surveys, as it considers necessary,
to further the development of cost-effective water supplies.  This bill
also requires TWDB to prepare a biennial progress report on the
implementation of seawater desalination activities in the state and submit
it to certain persons not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year
and to actively pursue federal sources of funding for desalination
projects in the state. 

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.  Sets forth legislative findings relating to the study and
implementation of seawater desalination. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 16, Water Code, by adding Section
16.060, as follows: 

Sec. 16.060.  DESALINATION STUDIES AND RESEARCH.  (a) Requires the Texas
Water Development Board (TWDB) to undertake or participate in research,
feasibility and facility planning studies, investigations, and surveys as
it considers necessary to further the development of cost-effective water
supplies from seawater desalination in the state. 

(b) Requires TWDB to prepare a biennial progress report on the
implementation of seawater desalination activities in the state and submit
it to certain persons not later than December 1 of each even-numbered
year.  Requires the report to include certain information. 

(c) Requires TWDB to actively pursue federal sources of funding for
desalination projects in the state. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.