The bill, H.B. No. 156, mandates the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to conduct a comprehensive study focused on safeguarding public drinking water supply systems and wastewater treatment facilities from various potential threats. These threats include electrical outages, catastrophic weather events, criminal conduct as defined under Chapter 424 of the Government Code, the anticipated impacts of climate change, and other disruptions that could affect water service delivery. The TCEQ is required to collaborate with other state agencies and stakeholders to ensure a thorough examination of these issues.

By September 1, 2026, the TCEQ must produce a report detailing the findings of the study, along with recommendations for legislative or other actions aimed at enhancing the protection of the identified facilities. This report is to be submitted to both the governor and the legislature. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.