Bill > HB193

This bill modifies Texas Water Code Section 36.1132(a) regarding groundwater conservation districts' permit-issuing authority, changing the language from districts being encouraged to issue permits that achieve a desired future condition to a more restrictive approach. Specifically, districts may not issue permits that would hinder achieving the desired future condition by authorizing groundwater production volumes that, when combined with exempt groundwater production, exceed the volume of modeled available groundwater as determined by the executive administrator. In plain language, this means groundwater conservation districts must now be more careful about issuing permits, ensuring they do not approve water extraction that would go beyond sustainable levels as scientifically calculated. The bill aims to prevent over-extraction of groundwater resources by creating a clearer, more definitive standard for permit issuance. The legislation will take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session, giving districts time to adjust their permitting processes to comply with the new requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB193