H.B. No. 2078 amends the Water Code to enhance the joint planning process for groundwater management areas in Texas. The bill requires groundwater districts to include specific performance standards and management objectives in their management plans, as well as detailed actions and procedures necessary to achieve these goals. Notably, the bill adds a requirement for districts to consider the water supply needs and management strategies from the state water plan and to provide a plain language explanation of how they are monitoring and achieving the desired future conditions established under Section 36.108 over the preceding five-year period.

Additionally, the bill mandates that district representatives meet at least annually to conduct joint planning and review the management plans and accomplishments of the management area. It introduces new provisions for adopting desired future conditions for approximately 50-year planning periods and requires districts to identify interim values for monitoring progress. The bill also emphasizes the need for transparency by requiring districts to produce an explanatory report detailing the adopted desired future conditions, justifications, and public input considerations. This report must include a summary of each district's performance in achieving the desired conditions, thereby promoting accountability and collaboration among groundwater management districts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 36.1071, Water Code 36.108 (Water Code 36)
House Committee Report: Water Code 36.1071, Water Code 36.108 (Water Code 36)
Engrossed: Water Code 36.1071, Water Code 36.108 (Water Code 36)
Senate Committee Report: Water Code 36.1071, Water Code 36.108 (Water Code 36)
Enrolled: Water Code 36.1071, Water Code 36.108 (Water Code 36)