Honorable Allan Ritter, Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1796 by Isaac (Relating to the renewal or amendment of permits issued by groundwater conservation districts.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 36 of the Water Code to specify procedures regarding renewal or permit amendments issued by a groundwater and conservation district. The bill would define "hydrogeologic unit" as an aquifer, aquifer subdivision, or management zone. A district would be required to determine whether a hearing on a permit or permit amendment application is required.
A district may amend an operating permit to adjust the rate or amount of permitted groundwater withdrawals only to respond to significant changes in or an increased demand on the condition of a hydrogeologic unit; or to comply with an order of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
According to the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and TCEQ, no fiscal impact is anticipated.
Local Government Impact
There could be fiscal impact to a district to hold a public hearing that would vary depending on current procedures and a district's budget. Costs to hold a public hearing are an estimated $12,000 which could be a significant portion of a district's current budget which may range from $25,000 to $100,000.
Source Agencies:
582 Commission on Environmental Quality, 592 Soil and Water Conservation Board