87R7719 ANG-F
	By: Eckhardt	S.B. No. 946

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the criteria considered by groundwater conservation
	districts before granting or denying a permit.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  Section 36.113(d), Water Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	(d)  This subsection does not apply to the renewal of an
	operating permit issued under Section 36.1145.  Before granting or
	denying a permit, or a permit amendment issued in accordance with
	Section 36.1146, the district shall consider whether:
	(1)  the application conforms to the requirements
	prescribed by this chapter and is accompanied by the prescribed
	fees;
	(2)  the proposed use of water unreasonably affects:
	(A)  existing groundwater and surface water
	resources; [or]
	(B)  existing permit holders; or
	(C)  wells that are exempt from the requirement to
	obtain a permit under this chapter or district rules;
	(3)  the proposed use of water is dedicated to any
	beneficial use;
	(4)  the proposed use of water is consistent with the
	district's approved management plan;
	(5)  if the well will be located in the Hill Country
	Priority Groundwater Management Area, the proposed use of water
	from the well is wholly or partly to provide water to a pond, lake,
	or reservoir to enhance the appearance of the landscape;
	(6)  the applicant has agreed to avoid waste and
	achieve water conservation; and
	(7)  the applicant has agreed that reasonable diligence
	will be used to protect groundwater quality and that the applicant
	will follow well plugging guidelines at the time of well closure.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
	a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
	provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
	Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
	Act takes effect September 1, 2021.