Every month during the 86th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature Dr. Robert Mace and Dr. Todd Votteler provide an update on water-related legislation. The key water committees are Water, and Rural Affairs in the Senate (SWRA), and Natural Resources (HNR) in the House of Representatives. Both committees have held hearings and voted on significant water bills since our last update in February. Thus far, legislation related to the flooding impacts from Hurricane Harvey and statewide flood planning have dominated the efforts of SWRA and HNR. The Senate has made the most progress unanimously approving Lt. Governor Patrick’s priority bills, SB 7 and SB 8 (see below) on March 20. These bills transfer money from the state’s rainy day fund to pay for Hurricane Harvey recovery and to plan and prepare for future flood events.
Below is a list of some of the water-related bills that have at a minimum received a hearing by a committee. Click here for more information about where the bill is and links to each bill.
Click here to find information about upcoming hearings.
Note: There is no guarantee of accuracy on this sheet. Confirm status of any bill of interest at Texas Legislature Online.
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