87R10818 JAM-D
 
  By: Larson H.B. No. 3084
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the identification of and funding for interregional
  water projects.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 16.052, Water Code, is amended to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 16.052.  INTERREGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL. (a) The
  board[, at an appropriate time in each five-year cycle for the
  adoption of a new state water plan,] shall appoint an interregional
  planning council. The members of the council serve at the pleasure
  of the board [until a new state water plan is adopted].
         (b)  The council consists of one member of each regional
  water planning group. Each regional water planning group shall
  nominate one or more members for appointment to the council, and the
  board shall consider the nominations in making appointments to the
  council. Members of the council shall select one member as
  presiding officer.
         (c)  The purposes of the council are to:
               (1)  improve coordination among the regional water
  planning groups, and between each regional water planning group and
  the board, in meeting the goals of the state water planning process
  and the water needs of the state as a whole;
               (2)  facilitate dialogue regarding water management
  strategies that could affect multiple regional water planning
  areas; [and]
               (3)  identify and propose water projects for the state
  water plan that involve multiple water planning areas;
               (4)  develop proposals for innovative funding
  mechanisms for projects identified under Subdivision (3); and 
               (5)  share best practices regarding operation of the
  regional, interregional, and state water planning processes
  [process].
         (d)  The council shall:
               (1)  hold at least one public meeting; and
               (2)  prepare a report to the board on the council's
  work, including projects and funding methods proposed under
  Subsections (c)(3) and (4).
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.