Transcript Highlights:

• It is Texas Water Day at the Capitol.
• the Water Caucus and the Texas Water Foundation.
• It's a great way to learn more about Texas water.
• Water Development Board programs.
• Texas Water Code.

Bills: SB480, SB767, SB790, SB971, SB1066

Keywords: water resources, interlocal contracts, local government, collaboration, planning activities, wildfire response, firefighting equipment, emergency services, state database, Texas Forest Service, customer complaints, Public Utility Commission, water service, complaint process, utility regulation, SB 971, Texas Water Assistance Program, Water Code, rural political subdivision, rural water

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met on Texas Water Day and limited public testimony to two minutes. The chair emphasized the need to move quickly because of scheduling conflicts with other committees and noted the importance of water policy and related stakeholders. The committee heard several bills focused on water administration, rural utilities, emergency response, and public works contracting. Senate Bill 790 by Senator Alvarado would let the Public Utility Commission create a simplified process for resolving tenant complaints over water or wastewater bill discrepancies; it was described as a way to avoid lengthy contested-case hearings for small disputes. Senate Bill 971 by Senator Sparks would clean up conflicting statutory definitions of “rural political subdivision” so Texas Water Development Board programs are applied consistently; Texas Rural Water Association testified in support. Senate Bill 767, also by Senator Sparks, would expand and improve a statewide database of fire-response equipment so departments, including volunteer and rural departments, can locate and share resources more effectively during emergencies; fire service witnesses supported the bill and suggested annual updates to keep the database current. Chair Perry laid out Senate Bill 480 to clarify that local governments and special districts may enter interlocal agreements for water-related planning and research, including aquifer management and flood/water planning. He also presented Senate Bill 1066, which raises payment and performance bond thresholds for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public works contracts to $150,000, arguing the change would reflect inflation and help smaller vendors on lower-risk projects. Witnesses were heard on the bills, with no opposition recorded in the transcript. The committee voted out all five bills favorably. SB 1066, SB 480, SB 767, SB 790, and SB 971 each received unanimous committee approval and were recommended to the local and contested calendar, with SB 767 noted as amended by a suggested annual-update requirement for the equipment database.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is Texas Water Day at the Capitol.
• and the Texas Water Foundation.
• It's a great way to learn more about Texas water.
• I'm Laura Zent with the Texas Rural Water Association.
• Water Development Board programs.

Bills: SB480, SB767, SB790, SB971, SB1066

Keywords: water resources, interlocal contracts, local government, collaboration, planning activities, wildfire response, firefighting equipment, emergency services, state database, Texas Forest Service, customer complaints, Public Utility Commission, water service, complaint process, utility regulation, SB 971, Texas Water Assistance Program, Water Code, rural political subdivision, rural water

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Texas Water Association, which is a statewide water policy association focused on water
• over the Water Development Board's use of dedicated revenues to the Texas Water Fund.
• Association of Texas and Texas Association of Clean Water Agencies.
• and agricultural water conservation in the Texas Water Fund.
• So the Texas Water Development Board does not have statutory ability to provide financial assistance

Bills: SB 7

Keywords: water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Texas Water Association, which is a statewide water policy association focused on water
• and streamlining Water Board reporting requirements in the Texas Water Fund to its fundamental goal of
• The Texas Water Fund is significant.
• over the Water Development Board's use of dedicated revenues to the Texas Water Fund.
• The new water supply for Texas has a focus on produced water and seawater desalination.

Bills: SB7

Keywords: water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is a good day for Texas water.
• Water Development Board - Bryant McMath with the Texas Water Development Board - Jerry with Texas 2036
• Stepney, Chairwoman for the Texas Water Development Board.
• With the Rural Water Assistance Fund and Loan Assistance Fund, there is about $232 million.
• at the tap, water in the fields, and water to drive the economic engine of Texas.

Bills: SB7

Keywords: water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, 1185, senate, all

Bills: HB 16, HB 1618, HB 2692, HB 2712, HB 2970, HB 3609, HB 3628

Keywords: water infrastructure, Texas Water Development Board, financial assistance, water supply projects, rural municipalities, water access assessment, aquifer storage, Edwards Aquifer, water injection, environmental regulations, groundwater management, San Antonio River, pollution control, flood management, water quality, conservation district, bonds, utility rates, ratemaking, water services

Bills: HB 16, HB 1618, HB 2692, HB 2712, HB 2970, HB 3609, HB 3628

Keywords: water infrastructure, Texas Water Development Board, financial assistance, water supply projects, rural municipalities, water access assessment, aquifer storage, Edwards Aquifer, water injection, environmental regulations, groundwater management, San Antonio River, pollution control, flood management, water quality, conservation district, bonds, utility rates, ratemaking, water services

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill builds on the 88th session with House Bill 4742, which allowed the Texas Water Development
• A lot of that water will be coming down to the smallest, to the lowest of Texas.
• Reuse Program, which allows some of this water to be captured, harnessed, and reused.
• For example, the Texas Water Development Board has a Rain Catcher program that successfully highlights
• Importantly, the Texas Water Development Board may withhold financial assistance from noncompliant jurisdictions

Bills: HB48, HB66, HB68, HB71, HB75, HB164, HB171, HB254, SB3, SB18, HB123, HB149, HB117

Keywords: HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired

Summary: The committee met in special session to hear a series of flood, preparedness, and youth-camp safety bills, with members repeatedly noting that many of the measures were intended as planning, warning, or authority-clarifying bills rather than direct spending bills. House Bill 254 would expand eligibility for the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program to include Kerr County and 18 other flood-affected counties by raising the GDP cap and lowering the poverty threshold; it drew no opposition and was left pending. House Bill 68 would direct a study of flood mitigation in flatland areas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, to develop cost-effective drainage and infrastructure recommendations; local officials and advocates supported it, and it was also left pending. The committee then heard several youth camp bills tied to the recent Hill Country flooding. House Bill 75 would impose flood-aware building and site standards for youth camps near floodplains, and House Bill 71 would require camps and youth activity entities to submit emergency preparedness plans to TDEM, coordinate with local responders, and maintain readiness protocols; both bills were supported by safety advocates and camp representatives, and both were left pending. House Bill 171 would require campgrounds near flood-prone waters to give written flood-risk notice to campers and obtain signed acknowledgment; it was presented as informed consent and left pending. Testimony on these bills emphasized Camp Mystic and other recent flood tragedies, with some witnesses urging broader building-code and floodplain reforms. The committee also heard House Bill 117, which would let counties regulate impervious cover for flood mitigation in unincorporated areas. Supporters, including county officials, environmental groups, and residents, argued that rapid development in the Hill Country and other growing areas is worsening runoff and downstream flooding; opponents from the builders’ association said counties already have substantial authority and warned about overreach into rural property use. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 18 would streamline permitting for certain flood control districts to repair dams and reservoirs and build small holding areas, and it was left pending after supportive testimony from Plum Creek Conservation District. Senate Bill 3 would create a state-backed outdoor flood warning siren program for identified flood-prone areas, funded through a grant program; witnesses generally supported it, though some cautioned that sirens are not sufficient by themselves and may not be heard indoors or in overnight storms. It too was left pending. The committee also began hearing House Bill 149 on public-safety radio interoperability, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full testimony or action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I show you registered as Laura Zent on behalf of the Texas Rural Water Association testifying neutrally
• I'm Laura Zent, the executive director of Texas Rural Water Association, and appreciate the opportunity
• To account for that uncertainty, Texas Water Development Board adopted a conservative 15 mile buffer,
• Without a doubt, Texas needs more water.
• There's not enough water in Texas. We don't have to figure out how to deal it and preserve that.

Bills: HB 937, HB 2078, HB 2080, HB 3322, HB 3350, HB 4212, HB 4630, HB 4896, HB 4951, HB 5348, HB 5675, SB 565, SB 971, SB 1662, SB 2124

Keywords: special districts, notice requirements, Water Code, government transparency, public meetings, meeting notice, transparency, public engagement, notice, elections, groundwater management, water conservation, joint planning, environmental impact, desired future conditions, groundwater, conservation district, environmental quality, regulatory review, water utility

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA) is a nonprofit with a membership of over 900 utilities that
• On behalf of the Texas Water Development Board, testifying neutrally as a resource witness.
• Without a doubt, Texas needs more water.
• TNC Texas has worked to preserve the lands and waters on which all life depends for over 60 years.
• There's not enough water in Texas.

Bills: HB937, HB2078, HB2080, HB3322, HB3350, HB4212, HB4630, HB4896, HB4951, HB5348, HB5675, SB565, SB971, SB1662, SB2124

Keywords: special districts, notice requirements, Water Code, government transparency, public meetings, meeting notice, transparency, public engagement, notice, elections, groundwater management, water conservation, joint planning, environmental impact, desired future conditions, groundwater, conservation district, environmental quality, regulatory review, water utility

Transcript Highlights:

• , realistic swift water training.
• Texas disasters do not respect county lines.
• rescue training right here in Texas.
• One was surface water data collection analysis and one was the Texas Mesonet coverage.
• Gave half the money of the request from the Water Development Board for surface water data collection

Bills: SB3, SB 3

Keywords: disaster relief, emergency funding, flood management, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power

Transcript Highlights:

• While much of Texas faces drought and water scarcity, other communities face the same... ...flood with
• This bill builds on the 88th session with House Bill 4742, which allowed the Texas Water Development
• reuse program, which would allow some of this water to be captured, harnessed, and reused.
• For example, the Texas Water Development Board has a rain catcher program that successfully highlights
• Importantly, the Texas Water Development Board may withhold financial assistance from non-compliant jurisdictions

Bills: HB48, HB 66, HB 68, HB71, HB75, HB164, HB171, HB254, SB 3, SB 18, HB123, HB149, HB117

Keywords: HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired

Transcript Highlights:

• This program offers low-interest home mortgage loans and down payment assistance.
• The Homes for Texas Heroes program provides down payment assistance to front-line professionals through
• payment assistance program at no cost to the state.
• . ...through the Homes for Texas Heroes program, but that's all the information I have.
• To alleviate this issue, HB 714 will allow Texas to create its own housing assistance program to help

Bills: HB158, HB714, HB 1198, HB1630, HB1998, HB3509, HB3788, HB3875, HB3948, HB3977, HB4097, HB4313, HB4314, HB4317, HB158

Keywords: housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• For water or other environmental or favorable development? Water and wastewater.
• And I say water.
• In conclusion, Texas faces a dual challenge: population growth straining water resources and rising fees
• There's a water crisis going on in Texas right now, and we need to think outside the box as to how to
• indoor water usage.

Bills: HB158, HB714, HB 1198, HB1630, HB1998, HB3509, HB3788, HB3875, HB3948, HB3977, HB4097, HB4313, HB4314, HB4317, HB158

Keywords: housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• They also informed me that it is a water district's bond council, not the water district itself that
• Representing the Texas Rural Water Association against the bill, is that correct? Yes, sir.
• So we're the Texas Rural Water Association.
• I am the executive director of the Association of Water Board Directors, Texas.
• Water control improvement districts, underwater, uh, water conservation districts, freshwater supply

Bills: HB 279, HB 310, HB 365, HB 391, HB 420, HB 422, HB 638

Keywords: HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• This program historically has provided water and wastewater infrastructure. in the form of grants to
• Is a statewide group that represents over 750 water districts throughout state of Texas.
• Members, Texas faces ongoing challenges in water infrastructure and the Texas Water Fund fund, which
• Mary Alice McConn, Texas World Water Association. OK, it didn't come through on our end.
• I'm Mary Alice McCona represent, Texas rural water Association.

Bills: HB279, HB310, HB365, HB391, HB420, HB422, HB638, HB279, HB310

Keywords: HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• General's Office and Water Development Board when needing to communicate regarding financial assistance
• To show you registered as Mary Alice McConn, representing the Texas Rural Water Association. against
• So we're the Texas Rural Water Association.
• My name is Rick I am the Executive Director of the Association of Water Board Directors, Texas.
• There were a number of different water districts, including... Water control improvement districts.

Bills: HB279, HB310, HB365, HB391, HB420, HB422, HB638, HB279, HB310

Keywords: HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• If you require assistance, please speak to our assistant clerk at the desk.
• Hours depending on the program.
• Medicaid program.
• But in Texas Medicaid...
• You are here on behalf of the Texas Radiological Society, the Texas Medical Association, and yourself

Bills: HB231, HB231, HB475, HB488, HB632, HB821, HB1786, HB1955, HB2036, HB2060, HB2659, HB2677

Keywords: HB 231, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, permit exemption, dam, reservoir, erosion control, flood control, floodwater control, sediment control, watershed protection, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, local sponsor, water appropriation, small dam, water diversion, maintenance, rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• If you require assistance, please let us know.
• , such as Healthy Texas Women.
• As many of you probably know, Texas currently has three limited benefit programs focused on women's health
• and preventative health care: Healthy Texas Women, the Family Planning Program, and the Breast and Cervical
• Cancer Screening Program.

Bills: HB231, HB475, HB488, HB632, HB821, HB1786, HB1955, HB2036, HB2060, HB2659, HB2677, HB231

Keywords: food access, food deserts, communities of color, health disparities, socioeconomic impact, nutritious food, health effects, socioeconomic disparities, legislative recommendations, nutrition, access to food, Medicaid, multisystemic therapy, healthcare, reimbursement, mental health services, education, funding, local control, school system

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a program set aside for when they're not program set aside for when they're not program set
• where from the investment program where from the investment program where from the investment program
• " assistance."
• Um, does any program that we're an Um, does any program that we're an Um, does any program that we're
• So if you still in the wrapback program, it would be the wrapback program, it would be the wrapback program

Bills: SB 1, HB 500, SB 1, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HB 500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption