BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 2430

79R7158 QS-D                                                                                            By: Puente (Armbrister)

                                                                                                                               Natural Resources

                                                                                                                                            5/12/2005

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Rainwater harvesting is a potentially useful water conservation and reuse technique.  In order to complement the state's existing resources, however, standards and guidelines for indoor use of rainwater must be more fully explored − particularly with respect to technical guidance regarding the incorporation of rainwater harvesting in municipal water systems.  H.B. 2430 requires the Texas Water Development Board to establish a Rainwater Harvesting Evaluation Committee dedicated to studying the feasibility of using rainwater as a source of water supply. 

 

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.  (a)  Requires the Texas Water Development Board (board) to establish a Rainwater Harvesting Evaluation Committee (committee) to study the feasibility of using rainwater as a source of water supply.

 

(b)  Provides that the committee is composed of four members who represent certain governmental entities.

 

(c)  Provides that the representative from the board is the presiding officer of the committee.

 

(d)  Authorizes the committee to request the assistance of outside experts or consultants, as necessary.

 

(e)  Requires the committee, not later than December 1, 2006, to provide a report to the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives.  Requires the report provide certain evaluations and recommendations.

 

SECTION 2.  Provides that this Act expires and the committee is abolished January 1, 2007.

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.