The following action adds a new rider that directs the TCEQ to assess the volume and location of water rights which have not been utilized in 10 or more years.

On page VI-29 of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's bill pattern, add the following new rider:

____.  Unused Water Rights Study. Out of existing funds, the commission will conduct an assessment of existing water rights that have not been utilized in over 10 years. Specifically, the assessment will analyze permits, certified filings, and certificates of adjudication under which all or part of the water authorized to be appropriated has not been put to beneficial use at any time during the immediately preceding 10-year period; and

(2)  prepare and submit to Legislative Budget Board a written report that:

(A)  identifies permits, certified filings, and certificates of adjudication for which an exemption from cancellation is currently provided;

(B)  identifies permits, certified filings, and certificates of adjudication that may be subject to cancellation;

(C)  for each permit, filing, or certificate identified under Paragraph (B), specifies:

(i)  the volume of water associated with the permit, filing, or certificate;

(ii)  whether an action for cancellation of the permit, filing, or certificate has been initiated by the commission; and

(iii)  whether the water associated with the permit, filing, or certification may be appropriate for dedication to the Texas Water Trust established under Section 15.7031.

(c-1)  The commission shall submit the initial report required by Subsection (c) not later than December 31, 2026.