S.B. No. 863, introduced by Senator Perry, aims to regulate the transportation and use of water withdrawn from the Edwards Aquifer. The bill amends Section 1.34(b) of Chapter 626, which previously allowed for more flexibility in the use of aquifer water. The new language specifies that water withdrawn from the aquifer cannot be transported outside the boundaries of the authority, either via pipeline or other means, and must be used within the authority's boundaries or within the certificated area of a retail public utility, as defined by a certificate of convenience and necessity that existed on September 1, 2025, and was located within the authority's boundaries as of June 28, 1996.

The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, following its approval by the Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The committee reported the bill adversely but with a favorable substitute, indicating a consensus on the need for stricter regulations regarding the use of the Edwards Aquifer's water resources.