83R10212 JAM-D

By: Sheffield of Coryell H.B. No. 2546

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the jurisdiction and qualifications of the Concho River watermaster and deputy watermaster.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 11.553, Water Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 11.553. JURISDICTION OF WATERMASTER. The geographical and jurisdictional boundaries of a watermaster acting under this subchapter shall be:

(1) the Concho River segment of the Colorado River Basin that includes the Concho River and all of its tributaries, downstream on the main stem of the Concho River to a point on the Concho River prior to reaching, and upstream of the O. H. Ivie Reservoir located at and including the diversion point of Certificate of Adjudication No. 14-1393 (River Order No. 4954450000) in Concho County; and

(2) the San Saba River segment of the Colorado River Basin that includes the San Saba River and all of its tributaries.

SECTION 2. Section 11.554(c), Water Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) The watermaster or deputy watermaster may not be:

(1) a water right holder in the river basin or a segment of the river basin under the program's jurisdiction;

(2) a purchaser of water from a water right holder in the river basin or a segment of the river basin under the program's jurisdiction; or

(3) a landowner of any land adjacent to a [the] river or segment of a [the] river under the program's jurisdiction.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.