S.B. No. 1606 amends the Texas Water Code to expand the authority of the Texas Water Development Board to provide financial assistance from the safe drinking water revolving fund. The new provision allows the board to offer this assistance specifically to political subdivisions that are either wholly or partially located in counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico and the United Mexican States, provided they supply raw water to another political subdivision for the purpose of treating it and ensuring safe drinking water. The bill introduces a new subsection, (a-1), which outlines the criteria for eligibility for financial assistance. This amendment aims to enhance the capacity of certain political subdivisions to manage and supply safe drinking water, thereby addressing public health and environmental concerns in regions that are geographically significant due to their proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 15.6041 (Water Code 15)