The bill, S.B. No. 1629, aims to enhance the administration of the Texas Water Bank and related funds by the Texas Water Development Board. Key amendments include the expansion of eligible projects for financial assistance from the fund to include reservoir projects that meet specific permitting requirements, as well as the development of infrastructure to transport or integrate water from these projects into existing supply systems. Additionally, the bill allows for transfers from the fund to the water bank account and establishes a new participation account within the Texas Water Development Fund II for similar purposes.

Further provisions grant the board broader authority to operate the water bank, including negotiating sales, maintaining a registry of water rights, and establishing regional water banks. The bill also emphasizes the importance of water conservation practices and allows for the purchase and transfer of water rights from outside the state to benefit Texas. Certain sections of the Water Code are repealed, and the bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 15.153, Water Code 15.703, Water Code 16.131 (Water Code 16, Water Code 15)