H.B. No. 1238 amends Section 27.016 of the Water Code to enhance the inspection process for proposed Class I injection wells. The bill mandates that upon receiving a permit application, the executive director must conduct an inspection of the proposed well location to assess local conditions and the potential impact of the well. Additionally, it allows the executive director to accept an inspection report from a licensed engineer or geoscientist, which must confirm the inspection of the well location and provide a determination regarding casing requirements.

The bill introduces new provisions that permit inspections to be conducted either in person or virtually using various technological methods, such as satellite imagery or mapping software. The changes in law will only apply to permit applications submitted on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Applications filed before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 27.016 (Water Code 27)