TITLE: Relating to the adoption of a water conservation program by certain counties.

SUMMARY: Relating to the adoption of a water conservation program by certain counties.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the adoption of a water conservation program by certain counties. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 562, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter Cto read as follows: SUBCHAPTER C. WATER CONSERVATION Sec. 562.051. WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS FOR CERTAIN COUNTIES. (a) This section applies only to a county that has a population greater than 230,000, is wholly or partly located within the boundaries of the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, and is adjacent to a county with a population greater than one million. (b) The commissioners court of a county by order may adopt a water conservation program. Except as provided by Subsection (c), a water conservation program adopted under this section may establish for the unincorporated area of the county, including the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality, water conservation standards applicable to a development, redevelopment, or subdivision of a tract of land that begins after August 31, 2025. (c) Water conservation standards established under Subsection (b) apply only to water used for landscaping on a tract of land being developed, redeveloped, or subdivided for residential development. (d) To the extent of a conflict between a county order adopted under this section and a permit, rule, ordinance, or other measure issued by a governmental entity and regulating the same conduct: (1) if the governmental entity is a municipality, the municipal measure prevails; or (2) if the governmental entity is a political subdivision other than a municipality, the more stringent regulation prevails. Sec. 562.052. EXPIRATION. This subchapter and any water conservation programs adopted under Section 562.051 expire September 1, 2031. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.