H.B. No. 2080 amends Section 36.3011 of the Water Code to enhance the review process of groundwater conservation districts by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The bill establishes a review panel appointed by the commission, which will consist of a chairperson and four members, with specific guidelines on membership to ensure diversity from different districts. Notably, the bill clarifies that the review panel is an advisory body and not a governmental body under Chapters 551 or 552 of the Government Code. It also mandates that the commission reimburse panel members for actual expenses incurred during their service, while ensuring that the records of the panel's proceedings are public information.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for public notice of meetings and hearings, requiring the executive director to notify relevant parties at least seven days in advance. It allows the commission or review panel to request technical assistance from the executive administrator, with deadlines extended if such requests are made. Legal advice and assistance from the office of public interest counsel is also made available to the review panel, while ensuring that members can still engage their own consultants or legal counsel. The changes apply to petitions filed on or after the effective date of the Act, with prior petitions governed by the law in effect at the time of filing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 36.3011 (Water Code 36)
House Committee Report: Water Code 36.3011 (Water Code 36)
Engrossed: Water Code 36.3011 (Water Code 36)
Senate Committee Report: Water Code 36.3011 (Water Code 36)
Enrolled: Water Code 36.3011 (Water Code 36)