By: Guillen, King of Uvalde H.B. No. 4204

(Senate Sponsor - Zaffirini)

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 3, 2021; May 10, 2021, read first time and referred to Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs; May 19, 2021, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; May 19, 2021, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study and report on the water level of Falcon Lake in Zapata and Starr Counties.

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

SECTION 1. STUDY. The Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality shall jointly conduct a study on the water level of Falcon Lake in Zapata and Starr Counties. The study must:

(1) evaluate the optimum water level for recreational fishing on the lake; and

(2) examine the factors that contribute to or are affected by the rise and fall of the lake's water levels, including flood control, conservation, and hydroelectric power projects.

SECTION 2. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2022, the Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality shall submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives a report that includes:

(1) the findings of the study conducted under Section 1 of this Act; and

(2) recommendations to achieve and maintain the optimum water level for recreational fishing on Falcon Lake, consistent with the purpose of the lake's construction.

SECTION 3. EXPIRATION DATE. This Act expires September 1, 2023.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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, 2021.

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