LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 84TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 2, 2015

TO:	Honorable Jim Keffer, Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB163 by Larson (Relating to interstate cooperation to address regional water issues.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would establish the Southwestern Water Commission to replace the Multi-State Water Resources Planning Commission. The purpose of the Commission would be to advise the Governor and the Legislature on cross-boundary water issues. The Commission would be authorized to initiate discussions with neighboring states and Mexico concerning water needs and development of water supply sources, and initiate discussions with outer states on the need for establishing interstate compacts. The Commission would consist of six members, two appointed by the Governor, two appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, and two by the Speaker of the House. The commissioners would serve for staggered terms of six years. The Water Development Board would provide administrative support to the Commission.

Based on the analysis of the Water Development Board, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

580 Water Development Board, 582 Commission on Environmental Quality, 592 Soil and Water Conservation Board

LBB Staff:

UP, SZ, MW, TL