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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to an interim study on water resources development in |
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certain counties. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. In order to engage in a scientific inquiry and |
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analysis regarding current and projected groundwater production |
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and to assess the effects of that production on groundwater |
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conditions, the Executive Administrator of the Texas Water |
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Development Board shall, for Region M--including Cameron, Hidalgo, |
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Jim Hogg, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Willacy, and Zapata |
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Counties--undertake the necessary evaluations. |
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(1) compile and evaluate current data on groundwater |
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levels, aquifer characteristics, and groundwater use and |
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production; |
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(2) fully assess the effects of current and projected |
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groundwater production on groundwater conditions; |
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(3) establish a framework for analyzing state agency data to |
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enable policymakers and agency leadership to make informed, |
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real-time decisions regarding water resource management, financial |
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allocations, and contracting; |
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(4) develop and implement predictive models to enhance the |
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allocation of state resources, forecast water supply trends, and |
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guide policy decisions that support water sustainability; |
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(5) identify, prevent, and mitigate potential fraudulent |
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transactions or inefficiencies in financial and contractual |
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processes associated with water infrastructure, permitting, and |
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management; |
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(6) assess and demonstrate the effectiveness of state and |
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federal funding mechanisms in addressing water management |
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challenges through advanced data analytics; |
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(7) conduct a performance review of existing state-funded |
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water management and conservation programs to determine |
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cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and impact; |
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(8) Enhance public access to water resource data and agency |
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policies by creating standardized, user-friendly reporting |
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mechanisms, incorporating clear visual representations and |
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interactive tools for better comprehension. |
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SECTION 2. Not later than September 1, 2026, the executive |
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administrator of the Texas Water Development Board shall: |
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(1) complete the compilation, evaluation, and |
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assessment of data described by Section 1 of this Act; |
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(2) prepare a report of the findings of the |
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compilation, evaluation, and assessment; |
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(3) submit the report to each standing committee of |
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the legislature having primary jurisdiction over water |
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development; and |
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(4) make copies of the report available to the public. |
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SECTION 3. This Act expires September 1, 2027. |