House Bill No. 3482 amends Chapter 8503 of the Special District Local Laws Code by adding a new section, 8503.033, which outlines the authority of the Lower Colorado River Authority to issue permits for certain quarries and mines. This new section specifies that permits can only be issued for quarries or mines proposed to be located 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 prohibited from issuing a permit unless a study has been conducted to confirm that the proposed operation will not harm any lake or state park.

The bill stipulates that the changes will apply only 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 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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