Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1080

Filed
2/22/23  
Out of Senate Committee
3/21/23  
Voted on by Senate
3/28/23  
Out of House Committee
5/9/23  
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a mitigation program and fees for the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District.

Impact

The legislation has the potential to significantly impact local groundwater management strategies, providing clear authority for the district to act in response to declining water levels. By establishing a formal mitigation program, SB 1080 facilitates better coordination and management among local stakeholders and helps ensure that well owners have recourse if their access to groundwater is compromised. Furthermore, it introduces a fee structure associated with groundwater extraction, which can help fund the mitigation efforts and maintain sustainability in the district's water usage.

Summary

Senate Bill 1080, introduced in the Texas Legislature, focuses on groundwater management within the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District, which serves parts of Bastrop and Lee counties. The bill authorizes the district to establish a mitigation program designed to address issues arising from excessive aquifer drawdown that may lead to nonproductive wells. It aims to create a framework for managing groundwater resources effectively, including provisions for reimbursement regarding the repair or replacement of wells that have been affected by decreased water levels.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB 1080 appears to be supportive, particularly among local landowners and officials who recognize the necessity of addressing groundwater supply issues. Proponents emphasize the importance of having a structured program to manage water resources effectively and prevent the total loss of well access. Despite its support, concerns exist around the administrative burden of implementing the mitigation program as well as ensuring equitable fee assessments for its management.

Contention

While the bill passed with strong support, there have been discussions about the fairness of the fee structure and the effectiveness of the mitigation program in addressing all stakeholders' concerns. Some stakeholders worry that the implementation of fees might disproportionately affect smaller landowners. The bill also faced scrutiny regarding the clarity of its rules and the procedures involved in developing the mitigation program, which were enhanced through amendments during the legislative process.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Special District Local Laws Code

  • Chapter 8849. Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 151
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 151
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 151
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 151
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 151

Water Code

  • Chapter 36. Groundwater Conservation Districts
    • Section: 101
    • Section: 117
    • Section: 205
    • Section: 122
    • Section: 101
    • Section: 205
    • Section: 122
    • Section: 205
    • Section: 122

Companion Bills

TX HB3314

Similar Relating to a mitigation program and fees for the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3314

Relating to a mitigation program and fees for the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District.

TX SB1611

Relating to fees assessed by the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District.

TX HB3433

Relating to fees assessed by the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District.

TX SB1392

Relating to groundwater conservation districts.

TX SB156

Relating to the regulation and management of the use of groundwater and regulation of groundwater conservation districts.

TX HB3116

Relating to the regulation of groundwater with historic use by and conflicts of law for the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District.

TX HB3059

Relating to the export fee charged for the transfer of groundwater from a groundwater conservation district.

TX HB4123

Relating to the creation of the Val Verde County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees, surcharges, and taxes.

TX HB2767

Relating to the powers, duties, and administration of groundwater conservation districts; amending provisions that authorize fees.

TX SB1413

Relating to the powers, duties, and administration of groundwater conservation districts.

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