The bill, H.B. No. 4530, aims to enhance the dedication and management of water rights within the Texas Water Trust. It amends Sections 12.028 and 15.7031 of the Parks and Wildlife Code and Water Code, respectively, to specifically include provisions for the dedication of surface water rights in the Texas Water Trust. The bill emphasizes the importance of these rights for environmental needs, such as maintaining instream flows, water quality, and wildlife habitats. Additionally, it establishes that the dedication of any surface water rights placed in trust must be reviewed and approved by the commission, with input from the Department of Agriculture, while also introducing a new requirement for the dedication of groundwater rights to be reviewed by the board. Furthermore, the bill allows the Parks and Wildlife Department to manage surface water rights in the trust through voluntary agreements with rights holders and in accordance with existing regulations. The amendments aim to ensure that the management of these water rights aligns with maximizing environmental benefits and the terms of their dedication. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 12.028, Water Code 15.7031 (Water Code 15, Parks and Wildlife Code 12)