On June 18th, Governor Abbott signed SB 7 and HJR 7, providing a “generational investment” for Texas’ water future. SB 7, by Senator Charles Perry, provides funding for new water supply and existing water infrastructure. This is enabled through HJR 7 by Representative Cody Harris, the funding mechanism for SB 7. HJR 7 will provide $1 billion in annual funding to the Texas Water Fund.
Throughout the legislative session, there was contention on how much of the funding would required to go towards new water supply projects. The House and Senate were able to agree on a 50-50 ratio for the funding split between new water supply projects and existing infrastructure projects. SB 7 added flood mitigation projects, projects under SWIFT, water and wastewater reuse projects, and shovel ready reservoirs as available uses for “new water supply”.
Governor Abbott’s full press release can be found here. The full bill signing ceremony can be found here.
HillCo has been tracking SB 7 throughout the legislative process. Please see below for other articles on SB 7:
- 04/02/25 – CSSB 7 Passes the Senate Unanimously (Premium Content)
- 03/14/25 – Sen. Perry Files SB 7 as Part of Package Addressing Critical Texas Water Needs
