BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 594
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Current Texas law mandates that all waters in an originating basin have a higher priority than those waters subject to interbasin transfers. During times of water shortage, all obligations within the basin would be fulfilled before any waters could be transferred as provided for in an interbasin transfer permit. The population demands of the region require that certain steps be taken to ensure an adequate water supply for the future. As the conversion from groundwater to surface water progresses, transfers are the best way to ensure all demand is met.
S.B. 594 makes an exception to the interbasin transfer law only for the river basins within the regional water planning area H.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 11.085, Water Code, by adding Subsection (w), as follows:
(w) Provides that Subsections (s) and (t) of this section regarding junior rights and interbasin transfers do not apply to a proposed transfer between river basins that are located within a single regional water planning area designated in accordance with Section 16.053 (Interbasin Transfers) of this code if such regional water planning area contains within its boundaries any portion of a county with a population greater than 3.3 million and any portion of at least three river basins.
Effective date: 91st day after adjournment. [Bill as drafted does not contain an effective date.]