89R8138 KRM-F     By: Romero, Harris, Fairly, Guillen, Zwiener H.B. No. 4530       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the dedication and management of water rights placed in   the Texas Water Trust.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Sections 12.028(b) and (c), Parks and Wildlife   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (b)  Consistent with Section 11.0235(b), Water Code, and the   department's duties and responsibilities, the department shall   encourage and facilitate the dedication of surface water rights in   the Texas Water Trust through lease, donation, purchase, or other   means of voluntary transfer for environmental needs, including for   the purpose of maintaining or improving:                (1)  instream flows;                (2)  water quality;                (3)  fish and wildlife habitat; and                (4)  bay and estuary inflows.          (c)  The department may manage surface water rights in the   Texas Water Trust in a manner that is consistent with:                (1)  the manner in which a holder of the rights may   manage the rights;                (2)  the dedication of the rights, including the   dedication's terms and conditions;                (3)  Sections 11.0237, 11.027, and 11.122, Water Code;   and                (4)  maximizing environmental benefits.          SECTION 2.  Section 15.7031, Water Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (c) and (e) and adding Subsection (c-1) to   read as follows:          (c)  The dedication of any surface water rights placed in   trust must be reviewed and approved by the commission, in   consultation with the board and the Parks and Wildlife Department.   In addition, the Department of Agriculture may provide input to the   commission, as appropriate, during the review and approval process   for the dedication of surface water rights.          (c-1)  The dedication of any groundwater rights placed in   trust must be reviewed and approved by the board. The board must   provide notice of the dedication to any district or authority that:                (1)  was created under Section 52, Article III, or   Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution; and                 (2)  has the authority to regulate the spacing of or   production from water wells located in the aquifer, subdivision of   the aquifer, or geologic stratum in which the groundwater that is   the subject of the groundwater rights is located.          (e)  The Parks and Wildlife Department may manage surface   water rights in the trust:                (1)  under a voluntary agreement with a rights holder;   and                (2)  in the manner described by Section 12.028(c),   Parks and Wildlife Code.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.