The bill amends the Local Government Code to establish new requirements for plat applications related to land subdivision where groundwater is the intended water supply. Specifically, it mandates that such applications must include a statement prepared by a licensed engineer or geoscientist certifying the availability of adequate groundwater and compliance with rules set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that allows municipal authorities and commissioners courts to disapprove plat applications that do not meet these requirements.

Furthermore, the TCEQ is tasked with creating rules to define the necessary certification form and content, as well as what constitutes credible evidence of groundwater availability. The bill also allows counties in priority groundwater management areas to adopt water availability requirements to ensure sustainable water use. The changes will apply only to plat applications filed after the bill's effective date of January 1, 2026, and the TCEQ is required to adopt the necessary rules by September 1, 2026.

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