H.B. No. 2080 amends 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 the appointment process to ensure diversity among districts. Notably, the bill stipulates that the recording secretary for the panel must be an employee of the commission and is responsible for documenting the proceedings, which will be considered public information. Additionally, the commission is required to reimburse panel members for their expenses incurred during their service, provided they submit a verified statement of those expenses.

The bill also introduces provisions for public notice regarding meetings and hearings of the review panel, requiring the executive director to notify relevant parties at least seven days in advance. It allows the commission or the review panel to request technical assistance from the executive administrator, with deadlines extended if such requests are made. Furthermore, legal advice can be provided to the panel by the office of public interest counsel, although this office cannot participate as a party in inquiries. The changes apply to petitions filed on or after the effective date of the Act, while petitions filed prior will be governed by the previous law.

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)