SAWDF Legislative Update on Water
Legislative News
Texas House of Representatives
HB 5052 – Rep. Stan Gerdes ** Passed **
Filed on behalf of stakeholders in HD 17, HB 5052 requires GCDs to consider “exempt wells” (domestic & livestock) when making permit decisions. HB 5052 was passed by the House on Thursday, 4/27, with a vote of 141 Ayes and 3 Nays. After receiving it in the Senate, it will be referred to the Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs Committee. SAWDF will update you when we need to encourage senators to give the bill a public hearing by the committee. This same legislation failed to receive a public hearing last session. The Texas Farm Bureau and Texas Corn Producers Association registered against the bill.
HB 4532– Rep. Kyle Kacal ** Passed **
Relating to the consideration of modeled sustained groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions.
SAWDF is happy to see this bill pass the House. HB 4532 is sensible legislation requiring that Desired Future Conditions take into consideration “modeled sustained groundwater pumping.” Sustainable pumping is one of the recommendations from the report by Dr. Robert Mace, Five Gallons in a Ten Gallon Hat: Groundwater Sustainability in Texas. Senator Blanco filed a companion bill and sits on the Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs committee. SAWDF supports this bill.
HB 3278– Rep. Four Price ** Passed **
Relating to the joint planning of desired future conditions in groundwater management areas.
HB 3990 – Rep. Kyle Kacal – Second Reading on Tuesday, 05/02/2023
Relating to a study of existing surface water and groundwater interaction.
For more water conservation information:
https://www.livtx.org/post/sawdf-legislative-update-on-water
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