All Roll Calls
Yes: 278 • No: 32
TexasSB 266289th Legislature Regular SessionSenate
Relating to the enforcement of drought contingency plans by water and sewer utilities and the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Sponsored By: Cody Harris, Charles Perry (Republican)
Signed by Governor
City Government--UtilitiesSpecial Districts & Authorities--Groundwater Conserve Dist.Utilities--Water & SewerWater--ConservationDROUGHTPUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Drought violations can mean service cuts
Suppliers preparing required drought plans must set specific, measurable water-saving targets and reasonable ways to enforce mandatory water-use limits. Enforcement can include fines, surcharges, service limits, shutoffs, or other penalties; the law sets no dollar amounts. Drought-plan violations are an allowed reason for covered utilities to reduce or stop water or sewer service. Covered utilities without a service-area certificate must follow regulator rules. The act specifies immediate effect with two-thirds approval by all elected members of each legislative house; otherwise, September 1, 2025.
Water suppliers get updated drought guidance
Texas environmental and utility regulators and the Texas Water Development Board must jointly identify measurable water-saving goals. Public water suppliers, irrigation districts, and other entities can use these goals to guide drought plans. The agencies must also jointly develop and update model drought programs at least once every five years. The models suggest practices for the greatest practical water savings during shortages and drought. Both the shared goals and model programs are guidance, not enforceable requirements.
Water utilities face clearer oversight rules
The Texas utility commission oversees rates, tariffs, and business matters for water and sewer utilities under its authority. Cities have exclusive first-level authority over these utilities inside city limits, subject to Water Code limits. Utilities must file current rates and service rules with each regulator that has authority, including any required drought plan. These filings are called tariffs, but drought-plan provisions do not count as rates under the Water Code. This oversight supports safe drinking water and environmental protection while placing filing duties on utilities; it sets no customer rates.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Cody Harris
House
Charles Perry
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Pete Flores
Republican • Senate
José Menéndez
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/20/2025
Record vote
Yes: 128 • No: 19
House vote • 5/19/2025
Record vote
Yes: 130 • No: 13
Senate vote • 4/30/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/30/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Natural Resources
Yes: 13 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective immediately
5/30/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
5/30/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/21/2025HouseSigned in the House
5/21/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/21/2025SenateReported enrolled
5/20/2025SenateHouse passage reported
5/20/2025SenateRecord vote (RV#3017)
5/20/2025HousePassed
5/20/2025HouseRead 3rd time
5/20/2025HouseStatement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
5/19/2025HouseRecord vote (RV#2947)
5/19/2025HousePassed to 3rd reading
5/19/2025HouseRead 2nd time
5/19/2025HousePlaced on General State Calendar
5/16/2025HouseConsidered in Calendars
5/14/2025HouseCommittee report sent to Calendars
5/9/2025HouseCommittee report distributed
5/8/2025HouseComte report filed with Committee Coordinator
5/8/2025HouseReported favorably w/o amendment(s)
5/2/2025HouseConsidered in formal meeting
5/2/2025HouseReferred to Natural Resources
5/1/2025HouseRead first time
5/1/2025HouseReceived from the Senate
4/30/2025HouseReported engrossed
4/30/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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