HB2620 - Relating to the inclusion of certain sources of water supply in regional water plans.

  89R5905 JAM-D     By: VanDeaver H.B. No. 2620       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the inclusion of certain sources of water supply in   regional water plans.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 16.053, Water Code, is amended by adding   Subsection (e-3) to read as follows:           (e-3)     In identifying potential sources of water supply to be   included in a regional water plan, including sites of unique value   for the construction of reservoirs identified under Subsection   (e)(6), a regional water planning group may not include in the plan   a source of water supply that requires the use of eminent domain and   is located in another regional water planning area unless the   planning group:                 (1)     demonstrates that all possible new sources of   water supply within the planning group's planning area, including   desalination projects and projects to expand and improve existing   water supply sources, will be insufficient to meet the planning   area's future water needs;                 (2)     demonstrates that all potentially feasible water   management strategies identified under Subsection (e)(5)(C) have   been implemented throughout the planning group's planning area; and                 (3)  submits to the board a report that:                       (A)     identifies, analyzes, and quantifies any   negative effects on residents of the area where the proposed source   of water supply is located resulting from the development of that   water supply, including negative ecological, economic, and   educational effects; and                       (B)     includes a mitigation plan that alleviates   any negative effects identified in the study.          SECTION 2.  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.