S.B. No. 1061 amends the Water Code to establish new procedural requirements for uranium mining production area authorizations. The bill introduces a new subsection (c-1) that mandates the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to prioritize the conservation of regional groundwater supplies when reviewing applications to amend restoration table values. Additionally, it modifies subsection (d) to classify applications for authorizations or amendments that allow mining and restoration activities in designated production areas as uncontested matters, exempt from contested case hearings, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions include the incorporation of a range table of groundwater quality restoration values and the requirement for the commission to notify relevant landowners and groundwater conservation districts within 30 days of determining the application is complete.

Furthermore, the bill repeals sections 27.0513(f) and (g) of the Water Code, streamlining the authorization process. It specifies that the changes apply only to applications submitted on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Applications submitted before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law. This legislative change aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding uranium mining while ensuring the protection of groundwater resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 27.0513 (Water Code 27)
Senate Committee Report: Water Code 27.0513 (Water Code 27)
Engrossed: Water Code 27.0513 (Water Code 27)
House Committee Report: Water Code 27.0513 (Water Code 27)
Enrolled: Water Code 27.0513 (Water Code 27)