LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 26, 2013

TO:	Honorable Allan Ritter, Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2578 by Larson (Relating to the development of brackish groundwater.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Water Code to require the Water Development Board (WDB) to designate brackish groundwater production zones, in cooperation with districts and stakeholders. At the request of a Groundwater Conservation District (GCD), the WDB would investigate whether permitted withdrawals are having certain impacts on aquifers. The WDB indicates any duties as a result of the bill would not result in a significant fiscal implication to the agency. The bill would take effect September 1, 2013.

Local Government Impact

Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs) would be required to adopt rules that include certain requirements for permits relating to brackish groundwater. GCDs would be required to provide related reports to the WDB. The bill would require regional planning groups to identify goals for the development of brackish groundwater desalination strategies. Bill provisions are not anticipated to have a significant fiscal implication for units of local government.

Source Agencies:

455 Railroad Commission, 580 Water Development Board

LBB Staff:

UP, TB, SZ, TL