BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1525

By: Perry

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties stress the importance of ensuring that the future water needs of Texas are met. S.B. 1525 seeks to further this aim by requiring the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a study of water needs and availability in Texas.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 1525 requires the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to conduct a study of water needs and availability in Texas and to use the results of the study to produce a comprehensive water resources map. The bill requires the study to consider the following: opportunities for, obstacles to, and costs associated with the development of new sources of water, including but not limited to the diversion of water from contiguous states, the use of flood control diversion channels, and the reuse of water associated with oil and gas operations; potential locations of facilities for the desalination of marine seawater and brackish groundwater; the allocation of costs associated with the transportation of desalinated marine seawater and brackish groundwater from the place of production to end users; the potential for the use of public-private partnerships for water development projects in Texas; and methods to ensure that stakeholders from all water user groups are included in the development of plans for the use of water in Texas. The bill authorizes the TWDB to consult with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in conducting the study. The bill requires the TWDB, not later than December 1, 2018, to submit to each standing committee of the legislature having primary jurisdiction over water development a report of the findings of the study and the map developed by the board using the results of the study.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.