The bill, S.B. No. 1623, proposes amendments to the Water Code regarding the dedication of certain water rights to the Texas Water Trust. It specifies that the dedication of surface water rights must be reviewed and approved by the commission, in consultation with the board and the Parks and Wildlife Department, while allowing the Department of Agriculture to provide input during this process. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the dedication of groundwater rights, which must be reviewed and approved by the board and acknowledged by any relevant district or authority that regulates water well spacing and production in the applicable aquifer or geological stratum.

The amendments aim to enhance the oversight and regulatory framework surrounding the dedication of both surface and groundwater rights to ensure proper management and conservation of Texas's water resources. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 15.7031 (Water Code 15)