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HB 2034

Relating to the issuance of groundwater permits to certain aliens or foreign entities.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ben Bumgarner and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2034 would prohibit non-citizens and foreign entities from obtaining Texas groundwater extraction permits, restricting foreign access to state aquifer resources.

Left pending in committee
#aliens(i0032) #permits(s0011) #safety(i0740) #specialdistricts&authorities--groundwaterconservedist.(i0013) #specialdistricts&authorities--water&utility(i0755)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2034

Legislative bill overview

HB 2034 would restrict the issuance of groundwater permits in Texas to non-citizens and foreign entities. The bill appears designed to prevent foreign nationals and foreign-owned companies from obtaining legal rights to extract groundwater resources from Texas aquifers.

Why is this important

Groundwater access is economically and strategically significant in Texas, a water-scarce state where aquifers support agriculture, industry, and municipal supplies. This measure reflects broader concerns about foreign ownership of critical natural resources and water security, though groundwater permitting is typically a property rights and natural resource management issue rather than a homeland security matter.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights vs. resource protection: Restricting foreign investment may conflict with free market principles and existing property owner rights to develop their land and water resources
  • Economic impact: Foreign agricultural operations, food processing plants, and industrial facilities dependent on groundwater permits could face operational disruption or relocation
  • Jurisdictional placement: The bill was referred to Homeland Security rather than natural resource/water committees, suggesting it frames water access as a national security issue—a characterization water management experts may dispute

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

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