This bill mandates a groundwater study 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 without compromising the desired future conditions for the aquifers, compare these findings with previously modeled available groundwater, and assess the hydrological impacts of proposed groundwater production and transfers outside the district. The results 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 submission deadline. This provision is set to expire on November 1, 2027. The bill clarifies that the moratorium does not apply to any permits or amendments issued before the effective date of the Act. The Act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on the 91st day after the legislative session if such a vote is not achieved.

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