78R6311 MI-F

By:  Luna                                                         H.B. No. 1370



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the study and implementation of seawater desalination.            
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that:                                        
		(1)  it is in the public interest to develop and 
maintain a diversified portfolio of drought-proof water supply 
alternatives to meet the water needs of the state;
		(2)  ongoing advances in water treatment technology and 
the growing demand on water resources make seawater desalination a 
more attractive drought-proof water supply option for the state; 
and
		(3)  additional information is necessary to further 
assess the implementation of and future opportunities for seawater 
desalination in the state.
	SECTION 2.  Subchapter C, Chapter 16, Water Code, is amended 
by adding Section 16.060 to read as follows:
	Sec. 16.060.  DESALINATION STUDIES AND RESEARCH.  (a)  The 
board shall 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)  The board shall prepare a biennial progress report on 
the implementation of seawater desalination activities in the state 
and shall submit it to the governor, lieutenant governor, and 
speaker of the house of representatives not later than December 1 of 
each even-numbered year.  The report shall include:
		(1)  results of the board's studies and activities 
relative to seawater desalination during the preceding biennium;
		(2)  identification and evaluation of research, 
regulatory, technical, and financial impediments to the 
implementation of seawater desalination projects;
		(3)  evaluation of the role the state should play in 
furthering the development of large-scale seawater desalination 
projects in the state; and
		(4)  the anticipated appropriation from general 
revenues necessary to continue investigating water desalination 
activities in the state during the next biennium.
	(c)  The board shall actively pursue federal sources of 
funding for desalination projects in the state.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.