Honorable Lyle Larson, Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB31 by Larson (relating to the regulation of groundwater.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Water Code relating to the regulation of groundwater. The bill specifies required information on a permit or permit amendment application. The bill would require groundwater districts to use the district rules in effect on the date of application for the districts decision to deny or grant the application.
A district may not adopt a moratorium on the issuance of a permit or permit amendment unless the district posts a notice, holds a hearing, and makes written findings supporting the moratorium. The imposed moratorium expires 90 days after issuance. The moratorium may not be extended.
The bill would repeal Section 36.122 (f)-(q) of the Water Code.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.