The Wise Report
The following bills that may be of interest to Texas geologists have been filed. New information is listed in bold (Two new bills listed):
HB 30, by Larson, Relating to the development of brackish groundwater. 4/22/2015 Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB30
HB 163, by Larson and Workman, Relating to interstate cooperation to address regional water issues. Sets up the Southwest Water Commission to discuss water needs of the region with other states and Mexico. 4/202015 Senate received from the the House. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB163
HB 190, by Burkett, Relating to the regulatory analysis of rules proposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Sets up guidelines for TCEQ analyses. 2/10/2015 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB190
HB 201, by Leach, Identical to companion bill SB 109, Relating to the procedure for action by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on an application for a water right. The bill sets up deadlines for reviews of applications by the TCEQ. 2/12/2015 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB201
HB 281, by Simmons, Duplicate of HB 3412, Identical to SB 878, Relating to a limitation on the expansion of certain landfills. This is for Type I municipal solid waste landfills that are located in a municipality in a county with a population of more than 600,000 persons and not more than 500 feet from another municipality. 4/22/2015 Committee report sent to calendars. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB281
HB 655, by Larson, Identical to SB 1724 and SB 1903, Relating to the storage and recovery of water in aquifers; authorizing fees and surcharges. 4/23/2015 Senate received from the House. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB655
HB 835, by Larson, Relating to research, development and utilization of brackish groundwater resources. 3/4/2015 Referred directly to s/c on Special Water Districts by Chair. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB835
HB 836, by Larson, Relating to the development of brackish groundwater. 3/4/2015 Referred directly to s/c on Special Water Districts by Chair. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB836
HB 898, by Larson and Workman, Identical to companion bill SB 611, Relating to the confidentiality of certain water well reports. 2/25/2015 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB898
HB 930, by Miller and Doug, Relating to water well drillers and pump installers; authorizing fees. Copies of well logs must also be sent to the local groundwater conservation district. 4/23/2015 Committee report sent to Calendars. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB930
HB 1113, by Clardy, Identical to SB 941, Relating to the standard of review for a determination of standing in a contested case hearing conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 4/21/2015 Reported favorably without amendment(s). For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB1113
HB 1191, by Isaac, Relating to the regulation of commercial development of groundwater in certain areas. 3/25/2015 No action taken in committee. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1232, by Luciio III, Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board regarding the mapping of groundwater in confined and unconfined aquifers. 4/23/2015 House Committee report filed with Committee Coordinator. For more information go to:http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB1232
HB 1248, by Lucio III, Similar to SB 854, Relating to the renewal or amendment of certain permits issued by groundwater conservation districts. 4/29/2015 Placed on General State Calendar. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB1248
HB 1392, by Bell, Keough, Faircloth, Ed Thompson, and Wu, Relating to the recovery of stranded oil, gas, or oil and gas from depleting Cenozoic Era reservoirs. The Texas Water Development Board shall conduct a study to define the quality and quantity of groundwater in Texas and submit the report by December 31, 2016. 4/13/2015 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB1392
HB 1635, by Pickett, Identical to SB 1421, Relating to the management of groundwater, including the classification of and the obtaining of information regarding groundwater and the formulation of desired future conditions by a groundwater conservation district. A groundwater classification system will be developed that’s based on salinity and takes into account total dissolved solids, geographic location and other factors determined to be relevant. 3/9/2015 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB1635
HB 1642, by Guillen, Relating to the rights, remedies, and liability of certain owners and operators of environmentally contaminated property; authorizing a fee. Off-site contamination must be reported to the owner of the affected property by sending a copy of the final assessment report via certified mail. The affected property owner must bring suit for damages not later than 10 years after the date of notice. If the site isn’t remediated within 15 years, deed recordation must be performed until the site has been cleaned up. 3/9/2015 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB1642
HB 1856, by Isaac, Identical to SB854, Relating to the renewal or amendment of certain permits issued by groundwater conservation districts. 3/11/2015 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB1856
HB 1972, by Keffer, Relating to certain exemptions from the requirement to obtain a permit from a groundwater conservation district. 3/12/2015 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB1972
HB 2078, by Anchia, Relating to the creation and duties of the Global Climate Change Commission. 4/20/2015 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB2078
HB 2080, by Anchia, Relating to the creation and implementation of a greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan. 4/20/2015 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB2080
HB 2132, by Craddick, Relating to certain exemptions from the requirement to obtain a permit from a groundwater conservation district; authorizing a fee. Includes water wells used for mining and oil and gas. 3/13/2015 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to:http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB2132
HB 2230, by Larson, Lucio III, and Fallon, Relating to the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to authorize an injection well used for oil and gas waste disposal to be used for the disposal of nonhazardous brine produced by a desalination operation or nonhazardous drinking water treatment residuals. 4/22/2015 Senate Received from the House. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB2230
HB 2647, by Ashby, Larson, Paddie, Clardy, and Lucio III, Identical to SB 1122, Relating to a limitation on the authority to curtail groundwater production from wells used for power generation or mining. 4/17/2015 Committee report sent to Calendars. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB2647
HB 2654, by Elkins, Relating to the authority of the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District to regulate certain water wells. Scheduled for public hearing on 4/29/2015. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB2654
HB 2932, by Anchia, Relating to a study and report by the Bureau of Economic Geology on land shifting. The study will examine earthquakes greater than 1.1 on the Richter scale and land shifting in Texas, and determine their causes and recommendations for reducing anthropogenic earthquakes. Scheduled for public hearing on 5/4/2015. For more information go to:http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB2932
HB 3170, by Shaefer, Relating to the regulation of occupations by this state. Allows a person to sue any state agency when they believe they’ve been unfairly restricted in the practice of their occupation due to not qualifying for a licence. Has the possibility of allowing unqualified persons to practice geology or any other occupation that requires a license and getting rid of the license as well. 3/23/2015 Referred to Licensing& Administrative Procedures. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB3170
HB 3313, by Shaheen, Identical to SB 118, Relating to unit operations for oil, gas, or oil and gas production from depleting reservoirs or carbon dioxide storage; authorizing a fee. 3/17/2015 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB3313
HB 3412, by Parker, Duplicate of HB 281, Identical to SB 878, Relating to a limitation on the expansion of certain landfills. 3/17/2015 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB3412
HB 3744, by Simpson, Relating to a requirement that a geological survey be conducted before a location may be identified as a site of unique value for the construction of a reservoir or recommended for the construction of a reservoir or dam. 3/23/2015 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB3744
HB 4112, by Burns and Cyrier, Relating to the rights of an owner of groundwater. 4/15/2015 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB4112
HCR 97, by Goldman, Requesting the lieutenant governor and the speaker to create a joint interim committee to study occupational licensing and issues for reform. While it doesn’t name any license in particular to be repealed, it has the potential to be a threat to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. Filed 3/20/2015.http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HCR97
SB 77, by Ellis, Relating to the development of a climate adaptation plan by certain entities. By 9/1/2016 twelve governmental entities, including the TCEQ, General Land Office, and the Texas Water Development Board, and every four years thereafter, shall publish a climate adaptation plan that will assess the entity’s role with respect to climate change. 1/26/2015 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB77
SB 78, by Ellis, Relating to the matters to be considered in developing the state water plan. The bill sets up deadlines for reviews of applications by the TCEQ. Future water availability and water use must be considered. Availability includes conservation, purification and reuse. 1/26/2015 Referred to Agriculture, Water,& Rural Affairs. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB78
SB 109, by Van Taylor, Identical to companion bill HB 201, Relating to the procedure for action by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on an application for a water right. Future water availability and water use must be considered. The bill sets up deadlines for reviews of applications by the TCEQ. 4/20/2015 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB109
SB 118, by Van Taylor, Identical to HB 3313, Relating to unit operations for oil, gas, or oil and gas production from depleting reservoirs or carbon dioxide storage; authorizing a fee. 1/27/2015 Referred to Natural Resources& Economic Development. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB118
SB 253, by Ellis, Relating to applications for permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain new or expanded facilities in certain low-income and minority communities. 1/28/2015 Referred to Natural Resources& Economic Development. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB253
SB 413, by Seliger, Relating to qualifications for membership on the Texas Water Development Board. “The board is composed of three members who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. One member must have experience in the field of engineering, one member must have experience in the field of public or private finance, and one member must have experience in the field of production agriculture.” 4/23/2015 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB413
SB 440, by Burton, Relating to the authority of a county or municipality to prohibit hydraulic fracturing treatment. A county or municipality may not prohibit hydraulic fracturing treatment of oil or gas wells. 2/9/2015 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB440
SB 517, by Uresti, Relating to notice of an application for a permit to drill an injection well in the territory of a groundwater conservation district. 2/18/2015 Referred to Agriculture, Water,& Rural Affairs. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB517
SB 521, by Fraser, Relating to the period for which the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality may grant or renew an emergency authorization relating to the use of state water. 4/21/2015 House Received from the Senate. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB521
SB 611, by Perry, Identical to companion bill HB 898, Relating to the confidentiality of certain water well reports. Water well withdrawal reports will be kept confidential if the owner submits a written request. 4/8/2015 House received from the Senate. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB611
SB 720, by Burton, Relating to the authority of a political subdivision to prohibit hydraulic fracturing. “A political subdivision may not adopt or enforce an order, ordinance, or similar measure that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting hydraulic fracturing.” 3/2/2015 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to:http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB720
SB 809, by Taylor, Van, Relating to governmental actions affecting private property rights in certain oil and gas wells. 3/3/2015 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB809
SB 854, by Zaffirini, Similar to HB 1248, Identical to HB 1856, Relating to the renewal or amendment of certain permits issued by groundwater conservation districts. 4/27/2015 Placed on Intent Calendar. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB854
SB 878, by Nelson, Identical to HB 281, Identical to HB 3412, Relating to a limitation on the expansion of certain landfills. 3/4/2015 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB878
SB 941, by Creighton, Identical to HB 1113, Relating to the standard of review for a determination of standing in a contested case hearing conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/9/2015 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB941
SB 1122, by Estes, Identical to HB 2647, Relating to a limitation on the authority to curtail groundwater production from wells used for power generation or mining. 4/14/2015 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB1122
SB 1346, by Huffines, Relating to the regulation of occupations by this state. Allows a person to sue any state agency when they believe they’ve been unfairly restricted in the practice of their occupation due to not qualifying for a licence. Has the possibility of allowing unqualified persons to practice geology or any other occupation that requires a license and getting rid of the license as well. 3/18/2015 Referred to Business& Commerce. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB1346
SB 1409, by Estes, Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board regarding the mapping of groundwater in confined and unconfined aquifers. 3/18/2015 Referred to Agriculture, Water, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB1409
SB 1421, by Lucio, Identical to HB 1635, Relating to the management of groundwater, including the classification of and the obtaining of information regarding groundwater and the formulation of desired future conditions by a groundwater conservation district. 3/18/2015 Referred to Agriculture, Water,& Rural Affairs. For more information go to:http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB1421
SB 1588, by Estes, Relating to the management of the water resources of the state. 3/23/2015 Referred to Agriculture, Water, & Rural Affairs. Allows Municipalities to provide funding for water conservation infrastructure. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB1588
SB 1724, by Creighton, Identical to HB 655 and Duplicate of SB 1903, Relating to the storage and recovery of water in aquifers; authorizing fees and surcharges. 3/23/2015 Referred to Agriculture, Water,& Rural Affairs. For more information go to:http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB1724
SB 1903, by Perry, Identical to HB 655 and Duplicate of SB 1903, Relating to the storage and recovery of water in aquifers; authorizing fees and surcharges. 4/23/2015 Not again placed on intent calendar. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB1903
SB 1926, by Zaffirini, Relating to permits to be issued for the storage and disposal of certain oil and gas waste. 3/25/2015 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SB1926
I’ll be updating this list in the future, throughout the upcoming legislative session.