SRC-EPT S.B. 743 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 743
By: Lucio
Natural Resources
4/1/2003
As Filed


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.  As proposed, S.B. 743 requires the Texas Water
Development Board to undertake and participate in research, feasibility,
and facility planning studies, investigations and surveys, as it considers
necessary, to further the development of costeffective water supplies.  

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.  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS:  Sets forth legislative findings
relating to the study and implementation of water desalination. 

SECTION 2.  WATER DESALINATION:  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, REPORT, AND
FUNDING.  (a)  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 from desalination
in this state.    

(b)  Requires TWDB to prepare and submit a progress report to certain
state officials by January 1, 2004.  Requires the report to include
certain information. 

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

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.