The bill, S.B. No. 526, aims to promote environmental conservation and protection through the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure in the construction of new state buildings in Texas. It amends the heading of Subchapter I, Chapter 2166 of the Government Code to reflect this focus on environmental conservation, replacing the previous emphasis on energy and water. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 2166.409, which defines "green stormwater infrastructure" and mandates its use in the construction of new state buildings, including those that may have been previously exempt from certain regulations.

The bill specifies that the governing body of the appropriate agency must incorporate green stormwater infrastructure, which includes features like rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement, to mitigate issues such as erosion and water pollution. The provisions of this bill will apply only to new state agency building contracts or construction projects that solicit bids or proposals after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025. Projects initiated before this date will continue to be governed by the existing laws.

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