78R11003 MI-F


By:  Puente                                                       H.B. No. 2663


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of quantifiable goals for drought contingency plans. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 11.1272, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsections (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows: (c) By May 1, 2005, a drought contingency plan required by commission rule adopted under this section must include specific, quantified targets for water use reductions to be achieved during periods of water shortages and drought. The entity preparing the plan shall establish the targets. (d) The commission and the board by joint rule shall identify quantified target goals for drought contingency plans that wholesale and retail public water suppliers, irrigation districts, and other entities may use as guidelines in preparing drought contingency plans. Goals established under this subsection are not enforceable requirements. (e) The commission and the board jointly shall develop model drought contingency programs for different types of water suppliers that suggest best management practices for accomplishing the highest practicable levels of water use reductions achievable during periods of water shortages and drought for each specific type of water supplier. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003.