Bill

HB 2378

85(R) - 2017
House Natural Resources
House Natural Resources
Groundwater Conservation Districts  
Special Districts
Utilities
Water

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Lyle Larson

Bill Caption

Relating to extensions of an expired permit for the transfer of groundwater from a groundwater conservation district.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, groundwater may be transferred outside of a district if a permit is granted. Depending on whether or not the construction of a conveyance system has been initiated, the permit allows for the transfer of water for three or 30 years. HB 2378 would automatically extend a water transference permit before its expiration for at least as long as the operating permit.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill supports the principle of limited government by creating a way to automatically extend certain permits for water transference so that they do not expire and need renewal before the expiration of the operating permit. Syncing these related items reduces bureaucratic hassle which diminishes the burden of government regulation. For this reason, we support HB 2378.

Organizations Supporting

Canadian River Municipal Water Authority
City of San Antonio
Lower Colorado River Authority
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
Texas Association of Business
Texas Association of Groundwater Owners and Producers
Texas Desalination Association
Texas Water Conservation Association

Organizations Opposed

League of Independent Voters of Texas