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.