Bill Caption

Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 2095, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a negative impact of ($5,691,843) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

HB 2095 would require the University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology to make studies relating to surface water, groundwater, soil moisture, and atmospheric moisture.  The bureau would also be directed to work to enhance, advance, or integrate models characterizing the water resources of the state.

HB 2095 would also direct the University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology to cooperate with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; the Edwards Aquifer Authority; river authorities; groundwater conservation districts; The University of Texas; Texas A&M University; Texas Tech University; and any other state agency or university with access to data related to surface water, groundwater, soil moisture, or atmospheric moisture.

The goal of this research and cooperation would be to have all water data collected in the state by various units of government and universities housed in one place for more efficient processing and utilization in future policymaking decisions.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action is neutral on HB 2095. While we have some reservation about the costs, we recognize that the state has a legitimate interest in ensuring that water data collected by various and disparate agencies, universities, and special purpose districts can be consolidated and properly analyzed for use in future policymaking related to water issues.