| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Positive | Neutral | Positive | Neutral |
Relating to the regulation of groundwater.
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 726 would remove the permit requirement for the exportation of groundwater. Under current law, there are two permits required for the process; one for production and one for authorizing the exporting process. This bill would remove the export permit altogether, simplifying the process for individuals who are making groundwater transactions. While removing this requirement, the bill would add a provision to that would restrict the movement of water during certain transactions.
Additionally, HB 726 would work to synchronize existing export permits. According to the bill’s author, the two permits often consist of different terms. Permits that are considered to be grandfathered in, would eventually become up to date with the terms of the new permits.
Furthermore, the bill would provide limits on moratoriums, limiting it to only 90 days. The bill’s language would mirror language that currently addresses certain property requirements.
Finally, HB 726 would address the effects of production from the new permit requirements, by striking language that includes “use of water” and replacing it with language such as “proposed production” or similar wording.