S.B. No. 7 is a legislative act designed to enhance the oversight and financing of water infrastructure projects managed by the Texas Water Development Board. The bill introduces a new Subchapter H to Chapter 6 of the Water Code, titled "Water Supply Conveyance Coordination," which outlines the board's responsibilities in facilitating joint planning among stakeholders, reducing the need for eminent domain, and ensuring interoperability of water transport systems. It also expands the types of projects eligible for financial assistance, including water and wastewater reuse projects, and establishes a Texas water fund administrative fund to cover related expenses. The bill mandates an interim study on incorporating wastewater planning into the state water planning process, with a report due by December 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill increases the bond issuance limit for financial assistance from $25 million to $100 million and raises the percentage of financial assistance for political subdivisions from 70% to 90%. It restructures the Texas Water Fund Advisory Committee, granting it expanded powers to review funds and make recommendations. The bill also requires the board to maintain a publicly accessible tool on its website to track progress on water supply needs and financial commitments. Provisions for confidentiality regarding sensitive information accessed by the advisory committee are included, along with a timeline for the act's effective dates, contingent upon voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 15.153, Water Code 15.504, Water Code 15.502, Water Code 15.703, Water Code 16.131, Water Code 15.431 (Water Code 15, Water Code 16)
Senate Committee Report: Water Code 11.036, Water Code 15.153, Water Code 15.502, Water Code 15.504, Water Code 15.505, Water Code 15.703, Water Code 16.131, Water Code 15.431 (Water Code 15, Water Code 11, Water Code 16)
Engrossed: Water Code 11.036, Water Code 15.153, Water Code 15.502, Water Code 15.504, Water Code 15.505, Water Code 15.703, Water Code 16.131, Water Code 15.431 (Water Code 15, Water Code 11, Water Code 16)
House Committee Report: Water Code 11.036, Water Code 15.153, Water Code 15.502, Water Code 15.504, Water Code 15.703, Water Code 16.131, Water Code 17.0112, Water Code 17.933, Water Code 15.431 (Water Code 15, Water Code 11, Water Code 17, Water Code 16)
Enrolled: Water Code 11.036, Water Code 15.153, Water Code 15.502, Water Code 15.504, Water Code 15.505, Water Code 15.703, Water Code 16.131, Water Code 17.0112, Water Code 17.933, Water Code 15.431 (Water Code 15, Water Code 11, Water Code 17, Water Code 16)