How is Texas rolling out the $20 billion water package anchored by HB 500?

HB 500 — the House-side vehicle for Texas's $20 billion water investment — was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June 2025 and paired with HJR 7, the constitutional amendment sent to voters as Proposition 4. Texas Water Development Board staff have since begun rolling out one-time 100% grants funded by the package, telling local systems the money is aimed at both new water supplies and aging infrastructure. Coverage tracks the transition from signing ceremony to first-round awards, including a January 2026 briefing that framed HB 500 as the near-term cash source while Proposition 4 provides the long-run annuity.

AI-generated summary compiled from Citizen Portal's coverage of the bill. Officials' positions below are sourced from their own words in indexed meetings and press events.