78R11003 MI-F


By:  Puente                                                       H.B. No. 2663



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the establishment of quantifiable goals for drought 
contingency plans.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 11.1272, Water Code, is amended by 
adding Subsections (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows:
	(c)  By May 1, 2005, a drought contingency plan required  by 
commission rule adopted under this section must include specific, 
quantified targets for water use reductions to be achieved during 
periods of water shortages and drought. The entity preparing the 
plan shall establish the targets.
	(d)  The commission and the board by joint rule shall 
identify quantified target goals for drought contingency plans that 
wholesale and retail public water suppliers, irrigation districts, 
and other entities may use as guidelines in preparing drought 
contingency plans.  Goals established under this subsection are not 
enforceable requirements.
	(e)  The commission and the board jointly  shall develop 
model drought contingency programs for different types of water 
suppliers that suggest best management practices for accomplishing 
the highest practicable levels of water use reductions achievable  
during periods of water shortages and drought for each specific 
type of water supplier.
	SECTION 2.  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.