H.B. No. 1689 amends Section 36.207 of the Water Code to specify the use of groundwater export fees collected by groundwater conservation districts. The bill allows districts to utilize funds from increased export fees, effective January 1, 2024, exclusively for costs related to assessing and addressing the impacts of groundwater development. This includes maintaining the operability of wells significantly affected by such development, developing or distributing alternative water supplies, and conducting aquifer monitoring and data collection. Notably, the bill expands the definition of affected wells to include those located outside the district.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that permits districts to use these funds to maintain the operability of wells in other districts, provided that an interlocal contract is established under Chapter 791 of the Government Code. This ensures that funds can be allocated for the maintenance of wells beyond the district's boundaries, fostering collaboration between districts. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 36.207 (Water Code 36)
House Committee Report: Water Code 36.207 (Water Code 36)
Engrossed: Water Code 36.207 (Water Code 36)
Senate Committee Report: Water Code 36.207 (Water Code 36)
Enrolled: Water Code 36.207 (Water Code 36)