S.B. No. 1967, introduced by Hinojosa and others, amends the definition of "flood project" within the Water Code to expand the types of projects eligible for financial assistance from the flood infrastructure fund. The bill specifies that flood projects include not only traditional drainage and flood control initiatives but also the construction and implementation of nonstructural projects that utilize nature-based features for flood risk mitigation. Additionally, it introduces a new category of projects that involves the construction of multi-purpose flood mitigation and drainage infrastructure. These new projects are designed to control, divert, capture, or impound various types of water, including floodwater and treated wastewater, and to treat and distribute this water to create an additional source of water supply.

The bill removes the previous requirement that only structural flood mitigation and drainage projects were eligible for funding, thereby broadening the scope of eligible projects. This change aims to enhance the state's ability to manage flood risks and improve water resource management through innovative and sustainable practices. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 15.531 (Water Code 15)
Senate Committee Report: Water Code 15.531 (Water Code 15)
Engrossed: Water Code 15.531 (Water Code 15)
House Committee Report: Water Code 15.531 (Water Code 15)