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


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 743
By: Lucio
Natural Resources
4/11/2003
Committee Report (Substituted)

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.  C.S.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 cost-effective water supplies from seawater
desalination in this 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 water desalination. 

SECTION 2.   Amends Chapter 16C, 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 sea water desalination in this state.    

(b)  Requires TWDB to prepare and submit a progress report to certain
state officials by 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 this state. 

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