Bill: SB 1392, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
Senate Agriculture, Water, & Rural Affairs
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Charles Perry
Bill Caption
Relating to groundwater conservation districts.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, groundwater conservation districts are established to create regulations and recommendations in the use and transference of groundwater, particularly through desired future conditions. SB 1392 would make many changes to protect private property rights. In particular, this bill would require that GCDs act jointly with other districts in delineating boundaries with the best available science; explicitly recognize the right of landowners to use groundwater; decrease the maintenance tax; and require public accessibility to meetings and documents.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill supports the principles of limited government and private property rights by improving transparency and accountability for groundwater conservation districts, reducing taxes, and further protecting the water rights of landowners. For these reasons, we support SB 1392.
Organizations Supporting
Chevron
Lower Colorado River Authority
Pioneer Natural Resources
Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
Texas Association of Groundwater Owners and Producers
Texas Farm Bureau
Texas Oil and Gas Association
Organizations Opposed
Clean Water Action
Environmental Defense Fund
Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District
National Wildlife Federation
Panola County Groundwater Conservation District
