TexasQualified local sponsors could build certain flood-control dams without permits
The vetoed measure would let certain Texas districts and authorities build or maintain smaller flood-control dams without a permit, subject to size and purpose limits.
What it does
If enacted, qualifying local districts and authorities could build or maintain erosion, floodwater, and sediment-control dams holding up to 200 acre-feet without a permit.
If enacted, the Texas environmental agency would have to adopt rules for the exemption by April 1, 2026.
Argument forIf enacted, qualifying sponsors could avoid a permit step when building or maintaining smaller flood-control dams for erosion and sediment control.
Argument againstIf enacted, some dams holding up to 200 acre-feet could be built or maintained without the usual permit, reducing one environmental review step.
More detail
A qualified local sponsor may build or maintain certain dams or reservoirs without first obtaining a permit. The sponsor must be a qualifying Texas district or authority that owns or controls the property and operates the dam or reservoir for erosion, floodwater, and sediment control. The dam or reservoir may hold no more than 200 acre-feet of water under normal storage. The sponsor may divert water only as needed to repair, maintain, or restore the dam, reservoir, or related improvements. Ending the sponsor's agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture would not remove the exemption if the sponsor still owns or controls the dam or reservoir for the stated purposes. The exemption would apply when the measure takes effect. It would take effect immediately only if two-thirds of all elected members of each legislative chamber approved immediate effect; otherwise, it would take effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality would have to adopt rules to carry out the permit exemption. The rules would implement the exemption for qualifying local sponsors and their eligible dams or reservoirs. The rules would be due by April 1, 2026, if the measure took effect.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Sep 17Vetoed by the Governor Greg AbbottLatest
- Aug 28Sent to the GovernorTo Governor
- Aug 28Signed in the HouseMajor
- Aug 27Signed in the SenateMajor
- Aug 26Reported enrolledMinor
- Aug 26House passage reportedMajor
- Aug 25Reason for vote recorded in Journal
- Vote recorded passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Aug 25Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
- Aug 25Record vote
- Aug 25PassedPassed House
- Aug 25Read 3rd timeMinor
- Aug 25Passed to 3rd reading
- Aug 25Read 2nd timeMinor
- Aug 25Additional sponsor(s) authorized
- Aug 25Rules suspended
- Aug 25Placed on General State Calendar
- Aug 24Considered in Calendars
- Aug 24Committee report sent to Calendars
- Aug 24Committee report distributed
- Aug 23Comte report filed with Committee CoordinatorMinor
- Aug 22Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)Minor
- Aug 22Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
- Aug 22Considered in public hearing
- Aug 20Referred to Disaster Preparedness & FloodingMinor
- Aug 20Read first timeMinor
- Aug 20Received from the SenateMinor
- Aug 18Reported engrossed
- Vote recorded final passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 18 be placed on its third reading and final passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Aug 18Reason for vote recorded in Journal
- Aug 18Record vote
- Aug 18PassedPassed Senate
- Aug 18Read 3rd timeMinor
- Aug 18Record vote
- Aug 18Three day rule suspended
- Aug 18Vote recorded in Journal
- Aug 18Read 2nd time & passed to engrossmentMinor
- Aug 18Rules suspended-Regular order of business
- Aug 15Committee report printed and distributed
- Aug 15Reported favorably w/o amendmentsMinor
- Aug 15Vote taken in committee
- Aug 15Considered in public hearing
- Aug 15Scheduled for public hearing on . . .
- Aug 15Record vote
- Aug 15Posting rule suspended
- Aug 15Referred to FinanceMinor
- Aug 15Read first timeMinor
- Aug 15FiledMinor
- Aug 15Received by the Secretary of the SenateIntroduced
Environment & EnergyEmergency ManagementAgriculture