Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

_______________ N ATURAL
/Water
ATURAL RESOURCES/Water
77 th Texas Legislature
Provides that the fund may be used to finance an outreach and technical assistance program to help rural
political subdivisions obtain assistance through the fund.
Allows a rural community to contract with a state or federal agency to submit a joint application for financial
assistance.
Joint Committee on Water Resources
Creates a joint committee consisting of members of both houses of the Texas Legislature to conduct an
interim study and make recommendations regarding:
• increasing the efficient use of existing water resources;
• developing sufficient long-term water financing strategies;
• improving existing water conveyance systems;
• water marketing;
• determining the appropriate role of environmental and wildlife concerns in water permitting and
water development; and
• protection of the natural condition of beds and banks of the state-owned watercourses.
Requires the joint committee to meet with TNRCC and the TWDB at least annually, to consider the
development of water marketing, the use of state funds for financing development and conservation of
water resources, and mechanisms such as measures for encouraging donation of water rights and
protecting instream uses.
Edwards Aquifer Authority
Provides rulemaking procedures for the Edwards Aquifer Authority (authority).
Specifies that rules in 31 Texas Administrative Code Part 20 (containing general provisions and rulemaking
procedures for the authority) have no effect and requires the secretary of state delete these rules.
Repeals provisions subjecting the authority to the Administrative Procedure and Texas Register Act, and
clearly states that the authority is subject to the open meetings and public information laws in the
Government Code.
Requires the authority to conduct a contested case hearing on a permit application if a person with a
personal justiciable interest related to the application requests a hearing on the application and requires it
to adopt rules establishing procedures for contested case hearings consistent with current law.
Limited Liability for Aquatic Herbicide Application
Defines “commercially licensed aquatic herbicide applicator.”
Provides that a commercially licensed aquatic herbicide applicator under contract with a river authority is
not liable in excess of $2 million for personal injury, property damage, or death resulting directly or indirectly
from the application of aquatic herbicide in compliance with such contract, applicable law, and the license
terms or permit.
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Senate Research Center 233