House Bill No. 3482 amends Chapter 8503 of the Special District Local Laws Code by adding a new section, 8503.033, which establishes specific conditions under which the Lower Colorado River Authority can issue permits for certain quarries and mines. The new provisions stipulate that permits can only be granted for quarries or mines proposed within four miles of a lake owned or operated by the authority, within four miles of the entrances to two or more state parks or caverns operated by the Parks and Wildlife Department, and within two miles of a youth camp licensed by the Department of State Health Services. Additionally, the authority is required to conduct a study to confirm that the proposed quarry or mining operation will not harm any lake or state park before issuing a permit.

The bill specifies that the changes will only apply to permit applications filed with the Lower Colorado River Authority 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 environmental protections around sensitive areas while regulating quarry and mining operations in proximity to these locations.

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