Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4796

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a study of the availability and sustainability of groundwater in the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District; providing funds for the study.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would establish a new framework for groundwater management within the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. Specifically, it allows the district to charge a groundwater conservation and management fee, which suppliers would pass on to their customers. This fee is earmarked specifically for the study, ensuring dedicated funding for thorough and ongoing research into groundwater health. The outcomes of this study could lead to informed policymaking that optimizes the management of existing water supplies, leading to more sustainable practices across the region.

Summary

House Bill 4796 introduces a structured approach to understanding and managing groundwater resources in the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. The bill mandates a comprehensive study aimed at assessing the availability and sustainability of groundwater within the district, which is crucial for effective resource management in a region where water supply is increasingly contentious due to population growth and environmental concerns. By focusing on these aspects, the bill seeks to ensure that water resources are adequate to meet future demand while also maintaining ecological balances.

Contention

The potential introduction of the groundwater conservation and management fee is likely to generate mixed reactions from stakeholders. Proponents argue that this financial mechanism is essential for funding the necessary studies that will ultimately benefit the community by ensuring a reliable water source. Critics, however, may contend that additional fees could financially strain households and businesses, particularly in economically challenged areas. Moreover, there may be concerns about how the collected fees are allocated and whether they truly serve the intended purpose of sustainability and conservation.

Notable_points

The bill also specifies parameters for fee collection and reporting, ensuring transparency in how funds are utilized. Furthermore, it includes provisions for returning excess fees to suppliers and, ultimately, to their customers, which may alleviate some of the financial burden on residents. This component underscores the bill's intent to balance effective resource management with the economic realities faced by groundwater users in the district.

Companion Bills

TX SB2530

Identical Relating to a study of the availability and sustainability of groundwater in the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District; providing funds for the study.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5025

Relating to the boundaries of the single-member districts for and vacancies on the board of directors of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.

TX SB156

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

TX SB962

Relating to the effect of a change in the boundaries of the single-member districts from which the members of the board of directors of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District are elected.

TX HB3059

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

TX HB4532

Relating to the consideration of modeled sustained groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts.

TX SB2540

Relating to the consideration of modeled sustained groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts.

TX SB2397

Relating to the consideration of modeled sustained groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts.

TX HB5401

Relating to the creation of the Webb County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to impose fees.

TX SB2570

Relating to the creation of the Webb County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to impose fees.

TX SB638

Relating to the procedures for acting on a permit or permit amendment application by a groundwater conservation district and the disqualification of board members of groundwater conservation districts.

Similar Bills

CA SB193

Monterey County Water Resources Agency: Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio: white bass.

CA AB1757

California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: climate goal: natural and working lands.

CA AB1044

Tule East Groundwater Sustainability Agency Act.

TX HB836

Relating to the development of brackish groundwater.

AZ SB1041

Groundwater savings certificate; assured water

CA SB372

San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Groundwater Sustainability Agency.

CA SB963

Water replenishment districts.

CA AB568

Tule East Groundwater Sustainability Agency Act.