HB 194 — A study by the Texas Water Development Board of the wate

90R5295 CMO-F By: Martinez H.B. No. 194 relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of the water resources in certain counties.

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; and (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.

SECTION 3. REPORT. (a) Not later than September 1, 2028, 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, 2029.

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, 2027.