This bill mandates a groundwater study to be conducted by the Texas Water Development Board for certain aquifers within the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District prior to the issuance of any new permits or amendments for groundwater production. The study aims to analyze the sustainable annual maximum groundwater production from these aquifers, compare it to previously modeled available groundwater, and assess the hydrological impacts of proposed groundwater production and transfers outside the district. The findings of this study must be reported to key state officials by January 12, 2027.

Additionally, the bill establishes a moratorium on issuing new permits or amendments for groundwater production and transfer until 270 days after the report is submitted. This provision is set to expire on November 1, 2027. The bill clarifies that the moratorium does not apply to permits or amendments issued before the effective date of the Act. The Act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

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