83R7030 SLB-F
 
  By: Phillips H.B. No. 2744
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the applicability of certain provisions concerning the
  transfer of exotic species to certain transfers of water that
  supply populous areas.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 66.007, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
  amended by adding Subsection (m) to read as follows:
         (m)  A water transfer described by this subsection, without
  evidence of the introduction of an exotic fish or shellfish, is not
  a violation of this section. The department may not require a
  permit under this section for a water transfer described by this
  subsection. This subsection applies to a water transfer by a
  district or authority created under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas
  Constitution, that:
               (1)  is initially conveyed by a water intake structure
  that is:
                     (A)  shared by at least two districts or
  authorities; and
                     (B)  located on a reservoir situated on the
  boundary of this state and another state;
               (2)  uses a closed conveyance system approved by the
  United States Army Corps of Engineers in accordance with an
  invasive species management plan approved by the United States Army
  Corps of Engineers; and
               (3)  contributes to a water supply that serves at least
  1.5 million people, all of whom reside in an area that:
                     (A)  borders another state;
                     (B)  contains at least 10 contiguous counties;
                     (C)  contains at least one county with a
  population of more than one million; and
                     (D)  is adjacent to a county with a population of
  more than one million.
         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, 2013.