SENATE — NOTICE — OF PUBLIC HEARING

SENATE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:     Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs 

TIME & DATE:   9:00 AM, Monday, May 11, 2026 

PLACE:         E1.012 (Hearing Room) 
CHAIR:         Senator Charles Perry 

The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs will meet

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 9:00 am to hear invited and public testimony on the following interim charges:

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.

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.

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.

Public testimony is limited to 2 minutes. If submitting written testimony, please provide 15 copies to the committee clerk with your name and/or the name of your organization on each copy, and email a digital copy to the clerk of the committee at Jayna.Grove_sc@senate.texas.gov.

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WHO PLAN TO ATTEND THIS MEETING AND WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, SUCH AS A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER OR PERSONAL ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES, ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE SENATE COMMITTEE COORDINATOR AT 512/463-0070, 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING SO APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.