Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of the water resources in certain counties.

89(R) HB 5219 - Engrossed version - Bill Text

By: Martinez

H.B. No. 5219

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of the

water resources in certain counties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "board" means the Texas

Water Development Board.

SECTION 2. STUDY. The board shall conduct a study that

evaluates and analyzes the water resources in the counties located

in Regional Water Planning Area M as designated by the board. The

study must:

(1) compile and evaluate current data on groundwater

conditions, including groundwater levels, aquifer characteristics,

and groundwater use and production;

(2) fully assess the effects of current and projected

groundwater production on groundwater conditions;

(3) establish a framework for analyzing state agency

data in order to enable policymakers and agency leadership to make

informed, real-time decisions regarding water resource management,

financial allocations, and contracting;

(4) develop predictive models that can be used to

enhance the allocation of state resources, forecast water supply

trends, and guide policy decisions that support water

sustainability;

(5) identify ways to prevent and mitigate potential

fraudulent transactions or inefficiencies in financial and

contractual processes associated with water infrastructure,

permitting, and management;

(6) assess the effectiveness of state and federal

funding mechanisms in addressing water management challenges

through advanced data analytics;

(7) review the performance of existing state-funded

water management and conservation programs in order to determine

cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and impact;

(8) develop standardized, user-friendly reporting

mechanisms that incorporate clear visual representations and

interactive tools in order to improve public access to and

comprehension of water resource data and agency policies; and

(9) review the process for applying for financial

assistance under the economically distressed areas program under

Subchapter K, Chapter 17, Water Code, including the application

process's impact on the board's rate of denial of financial

assistance under that program.

SECTION 3. REPORT. (a) Not later than September 1, 2026,

the board shall complete the study described by Section 2 of this

Act and prepare and submit a report of the findings to each standing

committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over water

development.

(b) The board shall make copies of the report described by

Subsection (a) of this section available to the public.

SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2027.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect

immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members

elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas

Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for

immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.