By: Zwiener H.B. No. 96
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the adoption of a water conservation program by a
  county.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 562, Local Government Code, is amended
  by adding Subchapter C to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER C. WATER CONSERVATION
         Sec. 562.051.  WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS. (a)  In this
  section, "agricultural operation" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 251.002, Agriculture Code.
         (b)  The commissioners court of a county by order may adopt a
  water conservation program.  A water conservation program adopted
  under this section may establish for the unincorporated area of the
  county only:
               (1)  rules for residential water use restrictions
  during periods of drought; and
               (2)  water conservation standards applicable to the
  residential development of a subdivision of a tract of land, the
  development of which begins after August 31, 2024.
         (c)  Water use restrictions established under Subsection
  (b)(1) may not apply to an agricultural operation.
         (d)  To the extent of a conflict between a county order
  adopted under this section and a municipal ordinance regulating the
  same conduct, the ordinance prevails.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2024.