S.B. No. 2660 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to establish regulations for the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, specifically regarding the metering of wells and the assessment of fees. The bill prohibits the district from requiring a meter on wells used solely for domestic or agricultural purposes that are not capable of producing more than 25,000 gallons of groundwater per day. Additionally, it amends Section 8843.153 to clarify that the district cannot impose taxes or other fees, except as authorized by specific sections of the code.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section, 8843.1511, which allows the district to assess a production fee for groundwater withdrawal, capped at 30 cents per 1,000 gallons. This fee can be used for any lawful purpose, but it does not apply to wells used exclusively for agricultural or certain domestic purposes. The bill also repeals several existing provisions within Chapter 8843, streamlining the regulations governing the district. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Special District Local Laws Code 8843.153, Subchapter D, Chapter , Special District Local Laws Code 8843.151 (Special District Local Laws Code 8843, Subchapter D, Chapter , Special District Local Laws Code 8843)
Senate Committee Report: Special District Local Laws Code 8843.153, Subchapter D, Chapter , Special District Local Laws Code 8843.151 (Special District Local Laws Code 8843, Subchapter D, Chapter , Special District Local Laws Code 8843)
Engrossed: Special District Local Laws Code 8843.153, Subchapter D, Chapter , Special District Local Laws Code 8843.151 (Special District Local Laws Code 8843, Subchapter D, Chapter , Special District Local Laws Code 8843)