Bill Text: TX HB1689 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the use of certain groundwater export fees collected by a groundwater conservation district.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-12-20 - Filed [HB1689 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-HB1689-Introduced.html

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89R2800 LRM-D
By: Gerdes H.B. No. 1689

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
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
follows:
(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
outside the district;
(2) developing or distributing alternative water
supplies; and
(3) conducting aquifer monitoring, data collection,
and aquifer science.
(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
purpose.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.