HB 4772

relating to exemptions from the requirement to obtain a permit from
a groundwater conservation district for certain groundwater wells.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 36.117(b), Water Code, is amended to
(b)  Except as provided by this section, a district shall
provide an exemption from the district requirement to obtain a
(1)  drilling or operating a well used solely for
domestic use or for providing water for livestock or poultry if the
(A)  located or to be located on a tract of land
larger than 100 [10] acres; and
(B)  drilled, completed, or equipped so that it is
incapable of producing more than 25,000 gallons of groundwater a
(2)  drilling a water well used solely to supply water
for a rig that is actively engaged in drilling or exploration
operations for an oil or gas well permitted by the Railroad
Commission of Texas provided that the person holding the permit is
responsible for drilling and operating the water well and the water
well is located on the same lease or field associated with the
(3)  drilling a water well authorized under a permit
issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas under Chapter 134,
Natural Resources Code, or for production from the well to the
extent the withdrawals are required for mining activities
regardless of any subsequent use of the water; [or]
(4)  drilling a water well for temporary use to supply
water for a rig that is actively engaged in drilling a groundwater
production well permitted by the district; or
(5)  drilling or operating a well that is located or to
be located on a tract of land of 100 acres or less in size and
drilled, completed, or equipped so that it is incapable of
producing more than 10,000 gallons of groundwater a day.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.