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HB 304

Relating to the regulation of groundwater produced in the boundaries of a groundwater conservation district.

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Cody Harris

HB 304 modifies groundwater regulation rules for Texas conservation districts, affecting how much water landowners and businesses can extract from underground aquifers.

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#permits(s0011) #specialdistricts&authorities--groundwaterconservedist.(i0013) #specialdistricts&authorities--water&utility(i0755) #water--general(i0885)
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Bill Summary · HB 304

Legislative bill overview

HB 304 addresses how groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) in Texas regulate and manage groundwater extraction within their jurisdictional boundaries. The bill modifies the regulatory framework governing how much water can be pumped, who can pump it, and what rules apply to groundwater users operating within GCD territories.

Why is this important

Groundwater is critical to Texas's water supply, particularly in rural and agricultural regions where surface water is limited. How GCDs regulate extraction directly affects farmers, ranchers, municipalities, and industrial users who depend on groundwater. These regulations can influence property values, agricultural viability, and long-term water availability as aquifer depletion remains a concern in many Texas regions.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights vs. conservation: Tension between landowners' traditional groundwater extraction rights and GCDs' authority to limit pumping for long-term sustainability
  • Agricultural impact: Farmers and ranchers may face restrictions on water use during droughts or in heavily-used aquifer areas, affecting crop production and livestock operations
  • Regulatory burden and compliance: Changes to GCD rules could create new permitting requirements, monitoring obligations, or fees for groundwater users
  • Equity between districts: Different GCDs have varying depletion rates and capabilities, raising questions about uniform vs. flexible regulatory standards across the state

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

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