SB2660 - Relating to the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District; authorizing a fee.

      By: Perry, Zaffirini S.B. No. 2660     A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District;   authorizing a fee.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 8843, Special District   Local Laws Code, is amended by adding Section 8843.102 to read as   follows:           Sec.   8843.102.     PROHIBITION ON REQUIRING METERING OF CERTAIN   WELLS. The district may not require a meter to be placed on a well:                   (1)     used solely for domestic or agricultural purposes;   and                   (2)     drilled, completed, and equipped so that the well   is not capable of producing more than 25,000 gallons of groundwater   per day.            SECTION 2.  Section 8843.153, Special District Local Laws   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 8843.153.  TAXES [ AND OTHER FEES ] PROHIBITED.   Notwithstanding Section 8843.101 or Subchapter G, Chapter 36, Water   Code, the district may not[ :                [ (1) ]  impose a tax[ ; or                [ (2)     assess or collect any fees except as authorized   by Section 8843.151 or 8843.152 ].          SECTION 3.  Subchapter D, Chapter 8843, Special District   Local Laws Code, is amended by adding Section 8843.1511 to read as   follows:           Sec.   8843.1511.     PRODUCTION FEE. (a) The district may   assess a production fee as provided by Section 36.205, Water Code.           (b)     A fee assessed under this section may not exceed the   greater of 30 cents per 1,000 gallons of groundwater withdrawn.           (c)     The district may use revenues generated by fees assessed   under this section for any lawful purpose.           (d)  This section does not apply to:                 (1)     a well used exclusively for an agricultural use,   as defined by Section 36.001, Water Code; or                 (2)     a well used exclusively for domestic use that is   exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under district   rules.          SECTION 4.  The following provisions of Chapter 8843,   Special District Local Laws Code, are repealed:                (1)  Section 8843.055;                (2)  Section 8843.103;                (3)  Section 8843.104; and                (4)  Section 8843.152.          SECTION 5.  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, 2025.