S.B. No. 1967 amends the Texas Water Code to enhance the financial assistance provisions of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for various water-related projects. The bill expands the eligibility for grants and loans to include projects that provide water supply and flood control components, specifically for drainage districts established under the Texas Constitution. It introduces new criteria for prioritizing projects, such as the urgency of need based on water supply conditions and the readiness of applicants to proceed with projects. Additionally, it clarifies that drainage districts cannot be disqualified from receiving grants based on certain operational criteria, such as lacking historical water use data or not providing retail water service.

The bill also revises the definition of "flood project" to encompass a broader range of activities, including the construction of multi-purpose flood mitigation infrastructure that can manage various types of water, such as stormwater and treated wastewater. This aims to create additional water supply sources while addressing flood risks. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, following legislative approval.

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)
Enrolled: Water Code 15.102, Water Code 15.437, Water Code 15.531 (Water Code 15)