The bill amends the Water Code by adding Section 36.1141, which addresses the expiration of permits issued by groundwater conservation districts in the context of ongoing litigation. Specifically, it mandates that if a permit holder is involved in litigation regarding the issuance or validity of their permit, the expiration date of that permit, along with any associated permits, must be delayed. The new expiration date will depend on the outcome of the litigation: if the permit is upheld, it will be extended to two years after a final judgment; if invalidated, it will expire on the date of the judgment.

Additionally, the bill outlines exceptions to this provision. It does not apply to permit holders who are delinquent in fee payments, are subject to pending enforcement actions for violations, or have not complied with orders resulting from adjudicated violations. The new regulations will only apply to permits issued on or after January 1, 2022, and the act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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