Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
8 bills that modify the Water Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I have worked my way through to the Transportation Code. The Utilities and Water Code will follow.
Blog Summary
HB 1565
HB 1688
HB 1845 - special wastewater operator excepts for those without a high school diploma or GED
HB 2388
HB 2442
HB 2443 - gives real property owner's the right to request groundwater rule changes
HB 2460 - updated water availability for certain areas
HB 2489 - Texas Natural Resources Information System is renamed the Texas Geographic Information Office
8 bills that modify the Water Code
Published: 2026-06-24
Multiple short modifications
HB 1565 - 11 pages
The Texas Water Development board will be reviewed in 2035 and every 12th year thereafter.
To be on the board there is a training program that provide the law governing the operations, including the functions, rules, and budget; scope and limitations of the rulemaking authority; and disclosure of conflicts of interest. These items were amended/added to the existing training.
The board shall periodically collect data on performance metrics; analyze the data; and use performance metrics to assess the programs toward goals. Periodic review of performance metrics and goals regarding analysis of performance metrics.
The advisory committee is abolished September 1, 2035 unless otherwise modified. They will provide information regarding large projects, including reservoirs, interstate water transfers, innovative technology projects, desalination plants, and other large projects.
A regional water planning group may plan for drought conditions that are worse that the drought of record.
HB 1688 - 4 pages
Coke Stevenson Scenic Riverway is the South Llano River in Kimble County. There was a section set to expire September 1, 2025 that is now extended to September 1, 2027.
HB 1845 - 2 pages
This section applies to Class D licenses for wastewater operators. If a person does not have a high school diploma or GED, they may complete all commission-required training, pass any commission required exams; and act under the direct supervision of a license holder.
HB 2388 - 2 pages
The Texas Water Development Board may enter into memorandums with any other state agencies.
HB 2442 - 4 pages
This creates requirements for how certificates and applications for certificates will be handled with the utility commission.
HB 2443 - 3 pages
For anyone that owns real property and has interest in the groundwater, they may petition for modifications of rules regarding groundwater. The commission has 90 days to deny the change or engage in modifying rules as requested.
HB 2460 - 2 pages
By December 1, 2026 the commission needs to obtain/develop updated water availability modes for Guadalupe, Lavaca, Nueces, San Antonio, San Jacinto, and Trinity River basins. This section expires September 1, 2027.
HB 2489 - 5 pages
The Texas Natural Resources Information System is renamed the Texas Geographic Information Office.
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