The bill amends the Local Government Code and the Water Code to establish new requirements for plat applications related to subdivisions that rely on groundwater as their water supply. Specifically, it mandates that such applications must include a statement prepared by a licensed engineer or geoscientist certifying that adequate groundwater is available and that the application complies with rules set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Additionally, municipal authorities and commissioners courts are required to disapprove applications that do not meet these criteria or fail to demonstrate sufficient groundwater availability.

Furthermore, the bill allows commissioners courts in priority groundwater management areas to adopt water availability requirements to ensure sustainable water use. It also stipulates that the TCEQ must establish rules regarding the certification form and what constitutes credible evidence of groundwater availability. The changes will apply only to applications filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for January 1, 2026. The TCEQ is tasked with adopting the necessary rules by this date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 212.0101, Local Government Code 232.0032, Water Code 35.019 (Local Government Code 212, Local Government Code 232, Water Code 35)