Senate Bill – 7 – Relating to the oversight and financing of certain water infrastructure matters under the jurisdiction of the Texas Water Development Board.

This is a summary of the bill. Read the entire bill here. This bill will require voter approval.

This bill enhances the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) authority to plan, fund, and coordinate water infrastructure projects, focusing on new water supplies, efficient conveyance, and regional coordination.

Key Provisions:
1. Water Supply & Conveyance Coordination
– TWDB must facilitate joint planning between utilities, governments, and industries to:
– Maximize use of existing easements (reducing eminent domain needs).
– Standardize water pipeline designs for interconnectivity.
– Plan for excess capacity in new infrastructure.

2. Funding Expansions
– Allows TWDB to use the Texas Water Fund for:
– Desalination, produced water treatment, aquifer storage, and reservoirs.
– New water conveyance infrastructure (but not for transporting fresh groundwater).
– Streamlines transfers between state water funds.

3. Advisory Committee Reforms
– Expands the Texas Water Fund Advisory Committee to include emergency management oversight.
– Requires biennial reports on water project progress and funding.

4. Permitting & Oversight
– TWDB can pay for expedited permit reviews (up to $2M) to speed up water projects.
– Strengthens legislative oversight of water fund spending.

5. Out-of-State Water Transfers
– Explicitly allows TWDB to purchase and transfer water rights from other states for Texas’ benefit.

Effective Dates:
– Most provisions take effect September 1, 2025.
– Some funding changes depend on voter approval of a 2025 constitutional amendment (S.J.R. 66).

Impact:
– Faster project delivery through better coordination and funding.
– More water supply options (desalination, reservoirs, imported water).
– Reduced eminent domain use by prioritizing existing easements.
– Accountability via stricter legislative oversight and public reporting.

This bill aims to modernize Texas’ water infrastructure planning while ensuring funds are spent effectively.