Here is a roundup of these bills:
First is HB 2759, which puts the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) in charge of developing the TexMesonet Hydrometeorology Network, an interactive mapping application for a network of selected weather stations and rain gauges throughout the state. According to the bill, the network would provide data and summary information for weather forecasting, flood preparedness, drought monitoring, wildfire management and water resource planning. The legislation also requires the TWDB to monitor hydrometeorological conditions and establish a TexMesonet advisory committee to advise and make recommendations related to the network.
Second is HB 2489, which renames the Texas Natural Resources Information System, a division of the TWDB, to the Texas Geographic Information Office (TxGIO). In terms of tech, the reorganization has put TxGIO in charge of overseeing all natural resources, census, emergency management and other socioeconomic data. It also requires the office to provide high-quality historical and current geospatial data products and education and training resources, as well as lead collaborative cost-sharing initiatives to advance the use of GIS throughout the state.
Last are the joint bills SB 28 and SJR 75. In SB 28’s case, the bill looks at financial assistance and programs administered by the TWDB. The bill asks the Water Conservation Advisory Council to monitor new technologies for possible inclusion by the board, including a state water management resource library and a public recognition program for water conservation. Meanwhile, SJR 75 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Texas Water Fund. The new fund, which requires voter approval in November, would provide $1 billion for new water projects and infrastructure upgrades, creating new opportunities for tech.
