MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Monday, May 11, 2026

10:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs was held on Monday, May 11, 2026, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT: — — — — MEMBERS ABSENT: — — Senator Charles Perry, — Chair — — — — Senator Roland — Gutierrez — — Senator Kevin Sparks, — Vice Chair — — — — — — Senator César Blanco — — — — — — Senator Adam Hinojosa — — — — — — Senator Lois Kolkhorst — — — — — — Senator José Menéndez

MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Charles Perry, Chair

 

Senator Roland Gutierrez

Senator Kevin Sparks, Vice Chair

 

 

Senator César Blanco

 

 

Senator Adam Hinojosa

 

 

Senator Lois Kolkhorst

 

 

Senator José Menéndez

 

 

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:26 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Hinojosa and Senator Kolkhorst.

 

The chair laid out the following interim charge:

 

Prioritizing Utility Revenue for Infrastructure Maintenance: Study the practice of large municipalities transferring revenue from water and wastewater utilities to general funds. Assess the impact of such transfers on delays in projects, infrastructure maintenance backlogs, and water loss mitigation. Make recommendations to limit the percentage of utility revenue available for transfer and ensure ratepayer funds are dedicated exclusively to the sustainability and security of Texas water systems.

 

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

 

The chair laid out the following interim charge:

 

Safeguarding the Texas Livestock Industry: Examine the state’s preparedness and response strategies regarding the New World Screwworm (NWS). Evaluate the effectiveness of current surveillance, monitoring, and control efforts by the Texas Animal Health Commission and partner agencies to prevent reintroduction of NWS into Texas. Make recommendations to strengthen biosecurity protocols, improve coordination with federal and international partners, and ensure the long-term protection of the Texas livestock industry and wildlife populations.

 

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

 

The chair laid out the following interim charge:

 

Evaluating Desalination Viability and Regulatory Efficiency: Inventory existing facilities and review the permitting framework across relevant state agencies to improve efficiency. Assess the practicality of desalination in high-feasibility regions and identify opportunities for local-level implementation. Make recommendations to streamline the regulatory process.

 

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

 

The following witnesses provided public testimony (see attached witness list).

 

At 3:53 PM Senator Sparks assumed the chair.

 

At 4:02 PM Senator Perry resumed the chair.

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business, at 4:48 PM Senator Perry moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Charles Perry, Chair

 

 

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Jayna Grove, Clerk