78R7577 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 January 1, 2005, a drought contingency plan required  
by commission rule adopted under this section must include 
specific, quantified 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year 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.