The bill, H.B. No. 290, amends Section 36.1132(a) of the Water Code to clarify the authority of groundwater conservation districts in issuing permits for groundwater production. The new language specifies that a district may not issue permits that hinder the achievement of an applicable desired future condition by authorizing a volume of groundwater production that, when combined with exempt groundwater production, exceeds the volume of modeled available groundwater determined by the executive administrator.

This amendment replaces previous language that suggested districts should issue permits to the extent possible while achieving desired future conditions. The bill aims to ensure sustainable groundwater management by preventing over-extraction of groundwater resources. The act is set to take effect on the 91st day after the conclusion of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 36.1132 (Water Code 36)