2003S0360-1 02/24/03


By:  Lucio                                                        S.B. No. 743


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the study and implementation of water desalination.               
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.  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 this state;
		(2)  on-going advances in water treatment technology 
and the growing demand on water resources make water desalination a 
more attractive drought-proof water supply option for this state; 
and
		(3)  additional information is necessary to further 
assess the implementation of and future opportunities for seawater 
desalination in this state.
	SECTION 2.  WATER DESALINATION:  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, 
REPORT, AND FUNDING.  (a)  The Texas Water Development Board shall 
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)  Not later than January 1, 2004, the Texas Water 
Development Board shall prepare and submit a progress report to the 
governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of 
representatives on the implementation of water desalination 
activities in the state.  The report shall include:
		(1)  the results of the board's studies and activities 
relating to water desalination during the preceding biennium;
		(2)  identification and evaluation of research, 
regulatory, technical, and financial impediments to the 
implementation of water desalination projects;
		(3)  evaluation of the role the state should play in 
furthering the development of large-scale seawater desalination 
projects in this state; and
		(4)  the anticipated appropriation from general 
revenues necessary to continue investigating water desalination 
activities in the state during the upcoming biennium.
	(c)  The Texas Water Development Board shall actively pursue 
federal sources of funding for desalination projects in this state.
	SECTION 3.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect September 
1, 2003.