The Texas House has given initial approval to Senate Bill 7, as amended , which would provide funding for new water sources and existing water infrastructure, with 143 ayes and 3 nay votes.
One floor amendment was adopted that would alter funding ratios, with half available for use under the New Water Supply for Texas Fund and the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and the other half available for existing water and wastewater infrastructure needs. An amendment to the amendment, which was tabled and not added to the bill, proposed applying a 1,000 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) threshold for brackish water production by the San Antonio Water System instead of the 3,000 TDS threshold under the bill.
SB 7 will be brought back before the House for a final passage vote before being sent back to the Senate to either concur on House amendments or send the bill to conference committee for further deliberations.
This is one key piece of legislation in a package of bills aimed to address the Governor’s Emergency Item calling for a Texas-Size investment in water. It is also the enabling legislation for HJR 7 which has passed off the House floor and out of Senate committee.
