Texas Senate Bill SB611

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of certain water well reports.

Impact

This legislation alters existing laws concerning public access to water well withdrawal data under the Texas Water Code. By allowing owners to request confidentiality, the bill may significantly impact how groundwater resources are managed and monitored. It provides a legal framework to safeguard personal information related to water usage, contributing to the ongoing discourse around water resource management and conservation in Texas. The law will apply to reports required to be filed after its effective date of September 1, 2015.

Summary

SB611 aims to enhance the confidentiality of groundwater withdrawal reports submitted by owners or operators of privately owned water wells to groundwater conservation districts in Texas. The bill establishes that such reports shall not be subject to public disclosure if a written request for confidentiality is made. This measure is intended to protect the privacy of well owners while ensuring that the management of water resources remains effective and transparent within the guidelines set by districts governing water conservation. The bill was filed on February 17, 2015, and has since progressed through committee discussions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be largely supportive, particularly among well owners and operators who value the protection of their operational data from public scrutiny. Proponents argue that this confidentiality promotes trust and encourages compliance with reporting requirements. However, there are likely concerns from stakeholders in water management who may question how increased confidentiality could affect transparency and accountability in water resource management. Overall, the support hinges on the balance between individual privacy and public resource management.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB611 raised questions about the implications of confidentiality on public knowledge and data access concerning groundwater resources. Critics may express concerns that limiting public access to withdrawal reports could hinder effective water resource management and oversight. The bill delineates that only aggregated data can be released, preventing the identification of individual well owners. This may foster contention among parties who prioritize transparency in natural resource management versus those who advocate for personal privacy in business operations.