House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes a study regarding the suspension or closure of new ground water appropriations in the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer. The bill mandates the Department of Natural Resources to conduct a feasibility study on ground water availability in the specified aquifer areas, which includes compiling new geologic and hydrogeologic data, collecting water levels and pressure data from historical wells, creating a preliminary water budget, and developing a model to assess the impacts of pumping on water levels and pressure. The Bureau of Mines and Geology is required to report its findings to the Water Policy Interim Committee, which will then make recommendations to the legislature regarding potential suspensions or closures of new appropriations.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund to the Bureau of Mines and Geology for the feasibility study and outlines a transfer of funds to the ground water assessment account by June 30, 2025. The act is set to take effect upon passage and approval, with a termination date of June 30, 2027. The bill also includes provisions for reporting requirements and codification into existing law.