Bill > HB1050

This bill modifies provisions of the Texas Water Code related to attorney's fees in lawsuits involving groundwater conservation districts. Specifically, the bill expands the circumstances under which a prevailing party can recover attorney's fees, costs for expert witnesses, and other litigation expenses. Instead of limiting fee recovery to cases where the district prevails, the new language allows any prevailing party to seek such fees "in the interests of justice." The bill also clarifies that when a party prevails on only some issues in a lawsuit, attorney's fees and costs can be awarded only for those specific issues, and the prevailing party must provide a breakdown (segregation) of fees and costs. The changes will apply only to lawsuits filed on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, with previous lawsuits continuing to be governed by the prior legal standards. This modification appears designed to provide more flexibility in fee awards and potentially make legal action involving groundwater conservation districts more accessible.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1050