The bill, S.B. No. 1290, mandates that operators of certain wastewater treatment facilities, specifically package plants with a capacity of less than 500,000 gallons per day, develop and implement emergency preparedness plans to ensure continued operations during extended power outages. The new section added to the Water Code, Section 26.054, defines key terms such as "emergency operations" and "extended power outage," and outlines the responsibilities of package plant operators, including the requirement to adopt a plan that demonstrates their ability to maintain operations during emergencies. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is tasked with reviewing these plans, providing assistance, and ensuring compliance through inspections.

The bill also establishes a timeline for implementation, requiring TCEQ to adopt necessary rules by January 1, 2026, and for operators to submit their emergency preparedness plans by May 1, 2026. Operators must implement their plans by September 1, 2026, or upon TCEQ's final approval. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the confidentiality of information provided by operators and mandates coordination between TCEQ and the Public Utility Commission of Texas in administering these requirements. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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