(a) The department shall prepare a 10-year plan that identifies the department's facility and capacity needs.
(b) In developing the plan under Subsection (a), the department:
(1) must consider the various regional needs of the state, including any ancillary or community benefits associated with department facilities; and
(2) may contract with a third party as needed.
(c) Not later than December 1, 2026, and every fourth anniversary of that date, the department shall submit:
(1) the plan to the board for approval; and
(2) the approved plan to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each standing legislative committee with jurisdiction over appropriations or the department.