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 panel's proceedings are documented and made public.

Additional provisions include requirements for the TCEQ to provide timely notice of public meetings or hearings related to the review panel's activities, and the ability for the panel to request technical assistance from the executive administrator. The bill also allows for legal advice from the office of public interest counsel, while ensuring that the counsel does not represent the public interest in the inquiry. The changes apply to petitions filed on or after the effective date of the Act, with provisions for petitions filed prior to that date to be governed by the previous law. The Act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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)