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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the inclusion of certain sources of water supply in |
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regional water plans. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 16.053, Water Code, is amended by adding |
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Subsection (e-3) to read as follows: |
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(e-3) In identifying potential sources of water supply to be |
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included in a regional water plan, including sites of unique value |
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for the construction of reservoirs identified under Subsection |
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(e)(6), a regional water planning group may not include in the plan |
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a source of water supply that requires the use of eminent domain and |
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is located in another regional water planning area unless the |
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planning group: |
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(1) demonstrates that all possible new sources of |
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water supply within the planning group's planning area, including |
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desalination projects and projects to expand and improve existing |
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water supply sources, will be insufficient to meet the planning |
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area's future water needs; |
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(2) demonstrates that all potentially feasible water |
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management strategies identified under Subsection (e)(5)(C) have |
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been implemented throughout the planning group's planning area; and |
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(3) submits to the board a report that: |
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(A) identifies, analyzes, and quantifies any |
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negative effects on residents of the area where the proposed source |
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of water supply is located resulting from the development of that |
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water supply, including negative ecological, economic, and |
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educational effects; and |
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(B) includes a mitigation plan that alleviates |
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any negative effects identified in the study. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |