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HB 1690

Relating to an application for a permit for the transfer of groundwater out of a groundwater conservation district.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Donna Campbell and 3 co-sponsors

HB 1690 establishes new permit application procedures for transferring groundwater outside conservation district boundaries; Governor vetoed the measure.

Vetoed by the Governor
#permits(s0011) #publicnotice(s0264) #specialdistricts&authorities--groundwaterconservedist.(i0013) #specialdistricts&authorities--water&utility(i0755)
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Bill Summary · HB 1690

Legislative bill overview

HB 1690 modifies the permitting process for transferring groundwater out of groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) in Texas. The bill establishes new application requirements and procedures that groundwater users must follow when seeking to move water beyond district boundaries.

Why is this important

Groundwater management is critical in Texas, particularly in regions facing drought and water scarcity. This bill directly affects how water resources are allocated and transferred between districts, impacting agriculture, municipalities, and industrial users who depend on groundwater supplies. The gubernatorial veto indicates significant disagreement over the bill's approach to water management authority.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state authority: The veto suggests the Governor may have viewed the bill as either improperly limiting GCD authority or creating barriers to water transfers that conflict with state water management goals
  • Agricultural vs. municipal interests: Water transfer permits inherently pit agricultural users (who consume substantial groundwater) against growing municipalities seeking external water sources
  • Regulatory burden: New permit application requirements could increase compliance costs and processing times, affecting both applicants and GCDs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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