S.B. No. 1226 proposes significant amendments to the Water Code in Texas, focusing on the establishment of regional conservation and reclamation districts. The bill targets counties with populations of at least 3.3 million, those bordering such counties, and counties on international borders with populations exceeding 400,000 that have at least two municipalities with populations of 70,000 or more. It introduces new definitions for "water district" and "commission," and outlines a petition process for creating these districts, which varies by county classification. The bill also requires petitions to include territory descriptions and resolutions from relevant municipal or water districts endorsing the creation of the district.

In addition to establishing the districts, the bill emphasizes governance and operational transparency by mandating interlocal agreements to be approved by governing bodies and allowing cost allocation based on equitable methods. It requires districts to submit annual reports on their activities and finances, ensuring accountability through auditing measures. The bill also sets forth procedures for district elections, including voter eligibility and election timing, and mandates the maintenance of a searchable website for financial and operational information. Furthermore, it establishes a searchable database for district expenditures and contracts, clarifies qualifications for board directors, and repeals certain provisions while specifying that some election code sections do not apply to districts in specific counties. The bill is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 59.001, Water Code 59.002, Water Code 59.003, Water Code 59.007, Water Code 59.052, Water Code 59.072 (Water Code 59)