Texas House Bill HB183

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 7/23/25

Caption

Relating to certain requirements related to water availability, including requirements that certain plats for the subdivision of land include evidence of groundwater supply.

Impact

The enactment of HB 183 will impact existing state laws concerning land development and environmental oversight. By requiring more extensive documentation of groundwater availability, the bill seeks to ensure that new developments do not exceed sustainable groundwater yield. This could lead to a more cautious approach to land development in areas where water resources are under strain. Additionally, the bill aims to standardize the evidence required for groundwater availability across different jurisdictions, thereby promoting consistency in land use regulations.

Summary

House Bill 183 aims to implement strict requirements related to water availability for land subdivisions in Texas. Specifically, it mandates that any plat application submitted for subdivision must include credible evidence of groundwater supply. This evidence is to be prepared by a licensed engineer or geoscientist and must comply with regulations set forth by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The bill emphasizes the need for sustainable groundwater management while allowing municipal authorities and county commissioners to disapprove applications that do not meet these standards.

Contention

The notable points of contention surrounding HB 183 revolve around the balance of regulatory oversight and property rights. Proponents argue that stronger requirements for evidence of groundwater supply are necessary to protect the environment and ensure that new subdivisions do not contribute to water scarcity. However, some opponents contend that these regulations could hinder development opportunities and complicate the plat approval process. Concerns have also been raised about how stringent these regulations might become and the potential burden on developers and landowners attempting to navigate the new requirements.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Local Government Code

• Chapter 212. Municipal Regulation Of Subdivisions And Property Development
  • Section: 0101

• Chapter 232. County Regulation Of Subdivisions
  • Section: 0032

Water Code

• Chapter 35. Groundwater Studies
  • Section: 019