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TexasHB 163389th Legislature Regular SessionHouse

Relating to the criteria considered by groundwater conservation districts before granting or denying a permit or permit amendment.

Sponsored By: Stan Gerdes, Lois Kolkhorst (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Special Districts & Authorities--Groundwater Conserve Dist.Special Districts & Authorities--Water & UtilityPERMITS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Texas groundwater permits get clearer review

Texas groundwater districts must review set factors before granting or denying covered permits or permit changes. They must consider unreasonable harm to existing groundwater, surface water, permit holders, and district-registered wells exempt from permits. They must also check application requirements, required fees, beneficial water use, and consistency with the district’s approved management plan. Reviews include applicants’ agreements to prevent waste, conserve water, protect groundwater quality, and follow well-plugging guidelines when wells close. In the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, districts must consider water use for ponds, lakes, or reservoirs for landscaping. This review rule excludes renewals of operating permits issued under Water Code Section 36.1145. The law took effect immediately after receiving the required two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Stan Gerdes

    House

  • Lois Kolkhorst

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 311 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/25/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/25/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 4/24/2025

Record vote

Yes: 146 • No: 0

House vote • 4/23/2025

Record vote

Yes: 145 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Natural Resources

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective immediately

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/28/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    5/27/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    5/27/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/26/2025House

  7. Senate passage reported

    5/25/2025House

  8. Record vote

    5/25/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    5/25/2025Senate

  10. Read 3rd time

    5/25/2025Senate

  11. Record vote

    5/25/2025Senate

  12. Three day rule suspended

    5/25/2025Senate

  13. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/25/2025Senate

  14. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading

    5/25/2025Senate

  15. Laid before the Senate

    5/25/2025Senate

  16. Placed on local & uncontested calendar

    5/25/2025Senate

  17. Committee report printed and distributed

    5/13/2025Senate

  18. Recommended for local & uncontested calendar

    5/13/2025Senate

  19. Reported favorably w/o amendments

    5/13/2025Senate

  20. Vote taken in committee

    5/12/2025Senate

  21. Considered in public hearing

    5/12/2025Senate

  22. Left pending in committee

    5/5/2025Senate

  23. Testimony taken in committee

    5/5/2025Senate

  24. Considered in public hearing

    5/5/2025Senate

  25. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

    5/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

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