SB 55 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study specific aquifers under the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District to determine the maximum sustainable groundwater production without harming future conditions. The study must compare current data to past models, assess hydrological impacts of proposed use and transfers outside the district, and evaluate effects on recharge and surface water. The district is prohibited from issuing new groundwater permits or amendments for production and transfer until 270 days after the report is submitted (due January 12, 2027). This moratorium expires November 1, 2027, directly affecting the district and applicants seeking new permits.
HB 290 restricts the use of specific agricultural products containing PFAS chemicals in Johnson County, Texas, directly affecting farmers, manufacturers, and sellers of fertilizers or soil amendments made from sewage sludge. It bans materials with PFAS concentrations exceeding set limits (e.g., 900 parts per trillion for perfluorooctanoic acid) when used as fertilizers or soil amendments. Violations create a criminal offense for manufacturing, selling, distributing, or applying products above these thresholds. The law applies only to Johnson County due to its population size (175,000-195,000 residents per census).
SB 50 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study sustainable groundwater production in aquifers under the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. The study must analyze long-term groundwater availability, compare it to existing models, and assess hydrological impacts of proposed production and transfers. The bill imposes a permit moratorium: the district cannot issue new groundwater permits or amendments until 270 days after the study report is submitted (due January 12, 2027). This directly affects the district and applicants seeking groundwater permits or amendments for production and transfer outside the district. The law expires November 1, 2027.
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.
This bill exempts certain small dams and reservoirs from needing a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It applies specifically to dams operated by "qualified local sponsors" (local districts with USDA watershed agreements) for erosion, floodwater, and sediment control, with a maximum storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The exemption allows these sponsors to construct, maintain, or divert water for repairs without a TCEQ permit, as long as the project continues serving its intended purpose. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality must adopt implementing rules by April 1, 2026.
HB 282 creates a 35% property tax exemption for landowners in designated priority groundwater management areas who do not irrigate their land. It directly affects non-irrigated agricultural or conservation landowners in these specific groundwater zones, provided the land is at least half an acre and not subject to other appraisal rules. The exemption applies to 35% of the land's appraised value if it meets all four criteria: located in a priority groundwater area, minimum size, not irrigated, and not covered by other appraisal categories. This change reduces property tax burdens for qualifying landowners without requiring annual reapplication, though the chief appraiser may request updated verification.
HB 117 would allow Texas counties to regulate impervious surfaces (like concrete or pavement) in unincorporated areas to address flood risks. It specifically permits counties to set rules for reducing flood danger, supporting flood infrastructure projects, improving drainage, or using natural solutions like rain gardens. This applies only to rural areas outside city limits, not incorporated municipalities. The bill does not create new taxes or fees but gives counties a legal basis to manage land use for water-related safety.
HB 27 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study groundwater sustainability in the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. The study must determine the maximum annual groundwater production without harming the aquifer's modeled available water and assess impacts on local water flows. The bill imposes a temporary moratorium on new permits or permit amendments for groundwater transfer out of the district until the study report is submitted by January 12, 2027. This moratorium applies only to the Neches and Trinity Valleys District and expires on September 1, 2027. The bill directly affects groundwater permit applicants and the district's permitting authority.
HB 83 repeals additional property taxes that landowners previously faced when changing the use of certain land enrolled in Texas' open-space and timber land tax programs. The bill removes penalties for shifting land from agricultural or conservation use to other purposes under these special tax programs. Landowners participating in these programs will no longer owe extra taxes if they change how they use their property. This simplifies tax compliance for qualifying landowners by eliminating the penalty trigger. The bill directly affects landowners enrolled in Texas' open-space and timber land tax programs.
HB 125 amends Texas law to define which counties must follow existing stormwater management regulations under Chapter 573 of the Local Government Code. It applies specifically to: counties with 2.8 million+ residents; districts coterminous with such counties that provide stormwater services; counties over 1.3 million with aquifer-based drinking water; or counties with 800,000+ residents containing part of the Edwards Aquifer or within the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area. The bill does not create new regulations but specifies the geographic and demographic criteria for which jurisdictions fall under the current stormwater management chapter. This change affects county governments and water authorities in those designated areas.
