The bill amends Section 36.102 of the Water Code to increase the civil penalties that a groundwater conservation district can impose for rule violations. Specifically, it raises the maximum penalty from $10,000 to $25,000 per day for each violation, with each day of a continuing violation counting as a separate offense. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision allowing courts to assess penalties greater than the maximum if it is determined that the violator gained an economic benefit exceeding the maximum penalty. The court must set the penalty at an amount deemed necessary to outweigh the economic benefit and deter future violations.

The changes apply only to suits involving groundwater conservation districts that are filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025. Any suits filed before this date will be governed by the law in effect at the time of filing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 36.102 (Water Code 36)