H.B. No. 4530 aims to enhance the management and dedication of water rights within the Texas Water Trust and the Texas Water Bank, focusing on environmental needs. The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code and the Water Code to encourage the dedication of surface water rights in the Texas Water Trust through various means such as lease, donation, or purchase. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining instream flows, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and bay and estuary inflows. Additionally, the bill allows the department to manage these rights in a manner consistent with existing regulations and to maximize environmental benefits. Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for the dedication of both surface and groundwater rights, requiring review and approval by the relevant authorities, including the commission and the board. It also mandates that the dedication process for groundwater rights includes notification to local regulatory districts. The Parks and Wildlife Department is granted the authority to manage surface water rights in the trust under voluntary agreements and in accordance with the amended provisions. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 12.028, Water Code 15.7031 (Parks and Wildlife Code 12, Water Code 15)
House Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 12.028, Water Code 15.7031 (Parks and Wildlife Code 12, Water Code 15)
Engrossed: Parks and Wildlife Code 12.028, Water Code 15.7031 (Parks and Wildlife Code 12, Water Code 15)
Senate Committee Report: Parks and Wildlife Code 12.028, Water Code 15.7031 (Parks and Wildlife Code 12, Water Code 15)
Enrolled: Parks and Wildlife Code 12.028, Water Code 15.703, Water Code 15.7031 (Parks and Wildlife Code 12, Water Code 15)