By: Martinez H.B. No. 5219       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of the   water resources in certain counties.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  DEFINITION. In this Act, "board" means the Texas   Water Development Board.          SECTION 2.  STUDY. The board shall conduct a study that   evaluates and analyzes the water resources in the counties located   in Regional Water Planning Area M as designated by the board. The   study must:                (1)  compile and evaluate current data on groundwater   conditions, including groundwater levels, aquifer characteristics,   and groundwater use and production;                (2)  fully assess the effects of current and projected   groundwater production on groundwater conditions;                (3)  establish a framework for analyzing state agency   data in order to enable policymakers and agency leadership to make   informed, real-time decisions regarding water resource management,   financial allocations, and contracting;                (4)  develop predictive models that can be used to   enhance the allocation of state resources, forecast water supply   trends, and guide policy decisions that support water   sustainability;                (5)  identify ways to prevent and mitigate potential   fraudulent transactions or inefficiencies in financial and   contractual processes associated with water infrastructure,   permitting, and management;                (6)  assess the effectiveness of state and federal   funding mechanisms in addressing water management challenges   through advanced data analytics;                (7)  review the performance of existing state-funded   water management and conservation programs in order to determine   cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and impact;                (8)  develop standardized, user-friendly reporting   mechanisms that incorporate clear visual representations and   interactive tools in order to improve public access to and   comprehension of water resource data and agency policies; and                (9)  review the process for applying for financial   assistance under the economically distressed areas program under   Subchapter K, Chapter 17, Water Code, including the application   process's impact on the board's rate of denial of financial   assistance under that program.          SECTION 3.  REPORT. (a)  Not later than September 1, 2026,   the board shall complete the study described by Section 2 of this   Act and prepare and submit a report of the findings to each standing   committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over water   development.          (b)  The board shall make copies of the report described by   Subsection (a) of this section available to the public.          SECTION 4.  EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect   immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members   elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas   Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for   immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.