The bill, H.B. No. 2620, amends Section 16.053 of the Water Code to establish new criteria for including certain sources of water supply in regional water plans. Specifically, it introduces a new subsection (e-3) that prohibits regional water planning groups from including a water supply source that requires eminent domain and is located in another planning area unless specific conditions are met. These conditions include demonstrating that all potential new water sources within the planning area are insufficient to meet future needs, that all feasible water management strategies have been implemented, and that a comprehensive report is submitted to the board detailing the negative effects on residents and a mitigation plan for those effects.

The report must identify and analyze any negative ecological, economic, and educational impacts resulting from the proposed water supply development. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of local water management strategies and the need for thorough assessments of external water supply sources, ensuring that the interests of affected communities are considered before such sources can be included in regional plans. The bill is set to 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)