The Texas legislative session is in full swing, and March 14 marked the deadline for lawmakers to file bills. With thousands of proposed bills introduced, we’re closely monitoring legislation that aligns with the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce’s mission to promote economic vitality, infrastructure investment, and long-term resiliency for our region.

Through our CB to ATX (Corpus Christi to Austin) advocacy initiative, we are actively engaging with policymakers to ensure our region’s needs are reflected in the state’s priorities.Whether it’s water security, energy infrastructure, tourism, workforce, or economic development—we’re working to bring your voice to the Capitol.

💧 FEATURED BILL: Senate Bill 7 – Texas Water Fund

One of the most important pieces of legislation this session is Senate Bill 7, which directly addresses Texas’ growing water crisis and proposes long-term, sustainable solutions.

Why It Matters:

Texas is projected to need 12 million more acre-feet of water annually by 2070—twice the current usage. Industries are already being affected, and over half of rural water providers say they could run out of water within two years.

SB 7, which recently passed out of committee with a unanimous 9–0 vote, would establish the Texas Water Fund, a proposed constitutional amendment dedicating $1 billion annually to critical water infrastructure, new water supply projects, and flood protection efforts.

Key Highlights:

• Supports new supply projects like desalination and importing water
• Protects local water rights and ensures regional collaboration
• Includes flood infrastructure funding for better preparedness
• Implements accountability measures through advisory committees and reporting
• Backed by experts and stakeholders from across industries and regions

Corpus Christi’s Role:

In testimony before the Senate committee, Mayor Paulette Guajardo emphasized the importance of funding projects like the Inner Harbor Desalination Project, which recently received full state and federal permitting. Once completed, it will be Texas’ first municipally owned seawater desalination plant, creating a brand-new, drought proof source of water for over 500,000 residents and industries across a 7-county region.

The Mayor stressed the urgency of the water shortage, noting that Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon are nearing historic lows. She credited the foresight of past city leaders in building the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, but warned that new solutions are needed now to support continued growth and industrial development in the Coastal Bend.

SB 7 has become a central focus of our CB to ATX advocacy, as Corpus Christi’s economic competitiveness, workforce, and quality of life depend on long-term water sustainability.

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Other Key Bills We’re Tracking

🔋 Energy

• HB 2678 & SB 1105 – Support nuclear energy infrastructure and next-gen energy projects
• SB 1631 – Creates a workforce development program specifically for the advanced nuclear sector

🏝️ Tourism

• HB 2877 – Expands financing tools for tourism development
• HB 3486 – Provides tax incentives for restaurants that buy Texas oysters, helping support coastal economies

👷 Workforce Development

• HB 3191 – Seeks to expand access to child care for working families
• HB 4456 – Boosts funding for career and technical education programs

💧 Water (Additional Legislation)

• SB 1289 – Expands uses of the Texas Water Fund
• SB 480 – Supports regional collaboration on water research
• HB 3984 – Focuses on coastal resiliency and stormwater management

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📣 Stay Informed & Engaged

This legislative session is pivotal for the future of Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend. Through our CB to ATX advocacy, we will continue to push for smart, future-focused policies that support our people, businesses, and infrastructure.

To stay updated on the legislation that matters most, visit our [89th Texas Legislative Bill Tracker]

Your voice makes a difference. Let’s keep working together to shape a stronger future for South Texas.