By: Hilderbran H.B. No. 2254 73R6428 T A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to the definition of subterranean streams and the 1-3 ownership of groundwater. 1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-5 SECTION 1. Section 11.002, Water Code, is amended by adding 1-6 Subdivision (9) to read as follows: 1-7 (9) "Defined subterranean stream" means an underground 1-8 stream possessing all of the characteristics of a surface 1-9 watercourse, including a discrete and well-defined channel, with a 1-10 bed and banks, that is capable of identification by a metes and 1-11 bounds description. The term does not include an underground 1-12 reservoir or aquifer, even if there is water movement, whether 1-13 defined or undefined, or if it discharges water through a discrete 1-14 spring or series of springs. 1-15 SECTION 2. Section 11.021, Water Code, is amended by adding 1-16 Subsection (c) to read as follows: 1-17 (c) Water beneath the surface of the ground that is the flow 1-18 of a defined subterranean stream is the property of the state. 1-19 SECTION 3. Section 52.001, Water Code, is amended by adding 1-20 Subdivision (15) to read as follows: 1-21 (15) "Defined subterranean stream" has the meaning 1-22 assigned by Section 11.002 of this code. 1-23 SECTION 4. The importance of this legislation and the 1-24 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an 2-1 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the 2-2 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several 2-3 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended, 2-4 and that this Act take effect and be in force from and after its 2-5 passage, and it is so enacted.