Honorable Troy Fraser, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB728 by Seliger (Relating to a groundwater conservation district's recovery of expenses in closing or capping a well.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Water Code to allow a groundwater conservation district to recover attorney’s fees, court costs, and reasonable expenses incurred in closing or capping a well from an owner of the land on which the well is located.
Local Government Impact
There could be a savings to a groundwater conservation district that would be allowed to recover the additional expenses incurred in closing or capping a well if an owner failed or refused to comply with the requirements; however, the amounts would vary depending on the number of wells located in a groundwater district.
According to several groundwater conservation districts surveyed, there would be no fiscal impact associated with the provisions of the bill.