Natural Resources

HB 24 limits groundwater conservation districts in Texas from issuing permits that would allow an applicant to withdraw and transfer out more than 5% of the district's estimated sustainable groundwater supply. It directly affects groundwater conservation districts and applicants seeking new permits for groundwater production and transfer. The bill requires districts to calculate this 5% cap based on "modeled available groundwater" determined by the district's executive administrator. This rule applies only to permits issued on or after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

HB 193 would require Texas groundwater conservation districts to limit new water permits so that total groundwater use (including unpermitted "exempt" use) does not exceed the scientifically modeled available groundwater volume. It directly affects districts issuing permits and individuals/businesses seeking to pump groundwater. The key provision amends the Water Code to mandate districts consider all water use together when setting permit limits, preventing permits from hindering long-term water sustainability goals. The bill is currently pending in the Natural Resources Committee after being filed on August 18, 2025.

SB 863 restricts the transportation of water withdrawn from the Edwards Aquifer outside the designated aquifer authority boundaries via pipeline or other methods. It requires such water to be used either within the aquifer authority's boundaries or within the certified service area of a retail public utility (as defined by its certificate of convenience and necessity existing on September 1, 2025). The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting water users and utilities operating within or drawing from the Edwards Aquifer region. This policy change modifies existing water usage rules to limit out-of-area transfers.

SB 790 creates a simplified complaint process for tenants disputing water or wastewater bills from property owners in Texas. It allows the Public Utility Commission of Texas to establish a streamlined procedure to resolve these complaints, exempting it from standard administrative rules in the Government Code. The bill directly affects tenants filing complaints and property owners receiving them. It takes effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025. This is a procedural change to improve efficiency in handling specific utility billing disputes.

SB 1061 streamlines uranium mining permit applications by creating an "uncontested matter" process for specific cases. It requires applicants to include groundwater quality restoration values within predefined ranges and baseline well data for each production zone. This change applies only to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, and removes contested hearing requirements for qualifying applications. The bill directly affects uranium mining companies seeking permits and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in processing these requests.