The bill, S.B. No. 1720, proposes an amendment to the production fees imposed by the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District. Specifically, it allows for an increase in the maximum rate of the production fee from 20 cents to 50 cents per thousand gallons of water withdrawn from non-exempt wells. This change aims to provide the district with greater flexibility in managing water resources and ensuring sustainable groundwater use.

The amended section, 8871.154 of the Special District Local Laws Code, clarifies that the district can impose reasonable production fees based on actual water withdrawal amounts, while setting the new cap at 50 cents per thousand gallons. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, allowing for a transition period for stakeholders to adjust to the new fee structure.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Special District Local Laws Code 8871.154 (Special District Local Laws Code 8871)