Senator Johnson presents Senate Bill 1624 to expand Texas Water Bank's conservation efforts

The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals concerning water rights and management in Texas. The meeting began with the closure of public testimony for Senate Bill 14 13, after which Senator Birdwell Johnson introduced Senate Bill 16 24.

Senate Bill 16 24 aims to expand the Texas Water Trust's capabilities, which was established in 1993 to facilitate the transfer and lease of water rights. Senator Johnson explained that the bill would allow water rights to be held in trust for conservation purposes, addressing a significant gap in current legislation. This change is intended to protect water rights from cancellation under the "use it or lose it" principle, thereby ensuring future availability for pumping needs. Following the introduction, public testimony was opened but no individuals chose to speak on the bill, leading to its pending status until the end of the meeting.

The committee then shifted focus to Senate Bill 8 63, presented by Chairman Perry. This bill seeks to rectify an oversight regarding the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), which regulates groundwater withdrawals from the sensitive Edwards Aquifer. The legislation would authorize certain utilities, which straddle the EAA's jurisdiction, to utilize water from the aquifer within their certificated areas, provided these areas were recognized before the EAA's establishment in 1996.

Chairman Perry also introduced a committee substitute for Senate Bill 8 63, clarifying ambiguities raised by stakeholders, including the removal of the term "raw water" to enhance understanding of the bill's intent. Public testimony was reopened for this bill, with individuals invited to express their support or concerns.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of these legislative efforts in managing Texas's water resources effectively, highlighting the ongoing need for collaboration and clarity in water rights legislation. Further discussions and decisions on these bills are expected in subsequent meetings.