The bill amends Section 36.1132 of the Water Code to introduce a new regulation regarding the issuance of groundwater permits by conservation districts. Specifically, it adds a new subsection (d) that prohibits a district from issuing a permit for the production and transfer of groundwater out of the district if the total amount authorized, when combined with all other permits issued to the same applicant, would exceed five percent of the total modeled available groundwater allocated to the district. This limitation is intended to ensure sustainable groundwater management and prevent over-extraction.

The new provision will apply only to permits issued on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session. This legislative change aims to enhance the oversight of groundwater resources and promote responsible usage within the district.

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