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.
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.
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 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.
SB 41 amends Texas Water Code §36.1132 to limit groundwater permits. It requires groundwater conservation districts to ensure that no single applicant’s total permitted groundwater production and transfer out of the district exceeds 5% of the district’s modeled available groundwater supply, as determined by the executive administrator. This directly affects groundwater conservation districts and applicants seeking permits for groundwater extraction. The bill applies only to permits issued on or after its effective date.
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 28 limits groundwater transfers outside a conservation district by restricting permits that would allow an applicant to exceed 5% of the district's modeled available groundwater (effective after December 2025). It requires groundwater districts to obtain approval from at least two-thirds of neighboring districts in the management area before issuing permits for transfers exceeding 25,000 gallons daily, considering regional water goals. Exceptions apply for potable water transfers to retail utilities within their service areas or emergency interconnects between utilities. The bill directly affects entities seeking large-scale groundwater permits and groundwater conservation districts managing water transfers. These provisions aim to regulate cross-district groundwater use while preserving regional water sustainability goals.
HB 13 requires Texas cities and counties (political subdivisions) to offer fee credits against water and wastewater impact fees to builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to projects that reduce water use, decrease wastewater infrastructure needs, or lower stormwater demand per service unit, including those exceeding standard efficiency requirements. Political subdivisions must establish fair procedures to calculate, apply, and approve these credits. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
SB 14 requires local governments in Texas to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees for builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to facilities that reduce water use, decrease wastewater treatment needs, lower stormwater demands, or exceed standard efficiency requirements. Local governments must establish fair procedures to calculate and approve these credits. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly benefiting developers who invest in qualifying water-saving infrastructure.
