HB 1689
AN ACT relating to the use of certain groundwater export fees collected by
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Allows groundwater conservation districts to use increased export fees specifically for managing groundwater development impacts, such as maintaining wells affected by water extraction, developing alternative water sources, and conducting aquifer monitoring. Districts can now use these funds to address well operability issues, even in other districts, but only through an official interlocal contract. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and aims to help districts proactively manage groundwater resources and mitigate development-related challenges.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to the use of certain groundwater export fees collected by a groundwater conservation district. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 36.207, Water Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c) to read as (b) A district may use funds obtained from the amount that an export fee is increased under Section 36.122(e-1) on or after January 1, 2024, only for costs related to assessing and addressing impacts associated with groundwater development, including: (1) maintaining operability of wells significantly affected by groundwater development, including wells located (2) developing or distributing alternative water (3) conducting aquifer monitoring, data collection, (c) A district may use funds described by Subsection (b) to maintain the operability of wells described by Subsection (b)(1) that are located in another district only if the district enters into an interlocal contract under Chapter 791, Government Code, with the other district authorizing the funds to be used for that SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the use of certain groundwater export fees collected by
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