HB1633 - Relating to the criteria considered by groundwater conservation districts before granting or denying a permit or permit amendment.

      H.B. No. 1633         AN ACT   relating to the criteria considered by groundwater conservation   districts before granting or denying a permit or permit amendment.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 36.113(d), Water Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (d)  This subsection does not apply to the renewal of an   operating permit issued under Section 36.1145.  Before granting or   denying a permit, or a permit amendment issued in accordance with   Section 36.1146, the district shall consider whether:                (1)  the application conforms to the requirements   prescribed by this chapter and is accompanied by the prescribed   fees;                (2)  the proposed use of water unreasonably affects :                       (A)   existing groundwater and surface water   resources ; [ or ]                       (B)   existing permit holders ; or                       (C)     wells that are registered with the district   and exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under this   chapter or district rules ;                (3)  the proposed use of water is dedicated to any   beneficial use;                (4)  the proposed use of water is consistent with the   district's approved management plan;                (5)  if the well will be located in the Hill Country   Priority Groundwater Management Area, the proposed use of water   from the well is wholly or partly to provide water to a pond, lake,   or reservoir to enhance the appearance of the landscape;                (6)  the applicant has agreed to avoid waste and   achieve water conservation; and                (7)  the applicant has agreed that reasonable diligence   will be used to protect groundwater quality and that the applicant   will follow well plugging guidelines at the time of well closure.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 1633 was passed by the House on April   24, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 146, Nays 0, 2 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 1633 was passed by the Senate on May   25, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor