Bill

HB 4112

84(R) - 2015
House Natural Resources
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House Natural Resources

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive

Author(s)

DeWayne Burns

Co-Author(s)

John Cyrier

Bill Caption

Relating to the rights of an owner of groundwater.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 4112, if passed, would expand the Water Code (Section 36.002) by noting that groundwater ownership rights also include any other rights which exist under common law but are not mentioned in code. Some small changes to the language are also made to reflect this change. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 4112 is a beneficial bill as it would enlarge and protect the property rights of those with groundwater holdings. Such protections likely healthy and compatible with the current legal regime in Texas and the United States. We support HB 4112.

Organizations Supporting

Environmental Stewardship
League of Independent Voters of Texas
Texas Cattle Feeders Association
Texas Farm Bureau
Texas Forestry Association
Texas Wildlife Association

Organizations Opposed

North Texas Municipal Water District
Texas Chemical Council
The Sierra Club