H.B. No. 2620 amends the Water Code by adding a new subsection (e-3) to Section 16.053, which outlines the criteria for including certain sources of water supply in regional water plans. Specifically, it prohibits regional water planning groups from including a water supply source that requires eminent domain and is located outside their planning area unless they meet specific conditions. These conditions include demonstrating that all potential new water sources within their area, such as desalination and improvements to existing supplies, are insufficient to meet future needs, implementing all feasible water management strategies, and submitting a comprehensive report to the board.

The required report must identify and analyze any negative impacts on residents in the area of the proposed water supply, covering ecological, economic, and educational effects, and must also include a mitigation plan to address these negative effects. This legislation aims to ensure that regional water planning is conducted responsibly and considers the potential consequences for communities affected by new water supply projects. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 16.053 (Water Code 16)