SRC-MWN H.B. 1504 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1504 By: Walker (Bivins) Natural Resources 4/27/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Current law requires groundwater conservation districts that have authority over water well permits to promptly consider and pass on each application received. H.B. 1504 grants districts greater options over approving or denying applications. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the district in SECTION 1 (Section 36.114, Water Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 36.114, Water Code, to require the district to promptly consider and act, rather than pass, on each administratively complete application for a permit. Authorizes an applicant if, within 30, rather than 20, days after the date the administratively complete application is submitted, an application has not been acted, rather than passed, on or set for a hearing on a specific date, to petition the district court of the county where the land is located for a writ of mandamus to compel the district to act on the application or set a date for a hearing on the application. Authorizes the district by rule to set a time when an application will expire if the information requested in the application is not provided to the district. Provides that an administratively complete application requires information set forth in accordance with Sections 36.113 and 36.1131. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.