The first Texas House Water Caucus initiated in 2023 during the 88th Legislative Session. Texas Water Foundation was proud to be recruited as the organization providing educational resources and support to the caucus. From its initial goal of 35 members, the Water Caucus finished with 77 members from the Texas House and a legislative session that made history with the creation of the Texas Water Fund and a $1B initial appropriation, put before the voters as Proposition 6 and approved in November 2023. 

This long-awaited investment was just the beginning.

As strong believers in the power of informed leadership, a reputation of trust, and with subject matter expertise at hand, TWF worked with our many partners across the sector to continue the conversation about necessary funding for Texas water - infrastructure, utility projects, new water sources, and more. This collaborative effort throughout 2024 set the stage for an increased prioritization of water in 2025, including its declaration as an emergency issue by Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick at the onset of the 89th Legislative Session. TWF continued our support of the Texas Water Caucus as it extended to include the Senate (one of only two such caucuses), providing six targeted educational sessions for its 84 bicameral members and serving as a resource throughout Session. The complexity of the water funding proposals in both the House and the Senate necessitated additional resources to clearly identify similarities and differences as well as visually demonstrate the impact of proposed legislation, which TWF was pleased to provide. The 89th culminated in the approval of SB 7 (Sen. Charles Perry) and HJR 7 (Rep. Cody Harris), historic legislation that creates the first dedicated funding mechanism for water in Texas for the next 20 years. This legislation will go before the voters in November 2025. Click here for a more detailed recap and statistics from the 89th Texas Legislature.