Texas House approves bill to strengthen state's water infrastructure
According to KVUE, the Texas House gave initial approval to Senate Bill 7 on Monday, May 26, which if passed, would add $1 billion per year to the Texas Water Fund. Texas Governor Greg Abbott named the bill one of his seven emergency items for the legislative session, citing drought concerns in the state.
The vote was nearly unanimous, with 143 to 3 approval on second reading.
SB 7 would expand the list of water projects eligible for funding, strengthen the Texas Water Fund, and measure performance and accountability.
Lawmakers say SB 7 works jointly with House Joint Resolution 7, which would add $1 billion per year to the Texas Water Fund, KVUE reported.
Rep. Cody Harris (R-Tyler), the bill's sponsor, stated that the bill would ensure funds are available for water infrastructure projects moving forward, rather than depending on legislative session's decisions to allocate money.
Voters will decide on a constitutional amendment in November to determine if the Texas Water Fund will receive the $1 billion additional annual funding.
Senate Bill 7 needs one more vote in the House.
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