Relating to a study of the feasibility of using seawater desalination processes in Texas.

HB 1501 directs Texas State University's Meadows Center for Water and the Environment to study how Texas could incentivize Gulf Coast seawater desalination plants. The study must examine international best practices from countries like Israel and Australia, analyze financial barriers, and evaluate environmentally sensitive methods for disposing of brine concentrate (a byproduct of desalination). The center must report findings to state leadership by January 1, 2027, including recommendations on cost-effective and eco-friendly brine management. This bill does not fund or create desalination plants but only mandates a feasibility study to inform future policy decisions. It expires February 1, 2027, and takes effect September 1, 2025.