bill paying half the cost of plugging abandoned water wells

The text as introduced · 480 words

89R9159 ANG-D

By: Martinez
H.B. No. 4526

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the establishment of a grant program by the Texas

Department of Licensing and Regulation to plug abandoned and

deteriorating water wells.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 28, Water Code, is amended by adding

Subchapter F to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER F. PLUGGING ABANDONED AND DETERIORATED WATER WELLS

GRANT PROGRAM

Sec. 28.151. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Department" means the Texas Department of

Licensing and Regulation.

(2) "District" means a district or authority created

under Section 52, Article III, or Section 59, Article XVI, Texas

Constitution, that has the authority to regulate the spacing of

water wells, the production of water wells, or both.

(3) "Fund" means the plugging abandoned and

deteriorated water wells fund established under Section 28.153.

(4) "Program" means the plugging abandoned and

deteriorated water wells grant program established under Section

28.152.

Sec. 28.152. PLUGGING ABANDONED AND DETERIORATED WATER

WELLS GRANT PROGRAM. (a) The department by rule shall develop a

program to provide grants for the public purpose of offsetting the

costs associated with plugging abandoned or deteriorated water

wells.

(b) A grant may be provided under this section only to:

(1) a district; or

(2) a landowner who plugs a well that is not located

within the boundaries of a district.

Sec. 28.153. PROGRAM FUND. (a) The plugging abandoned and

deteriorated water wells fund is an account in the general revenue

fund.

(b) The fund consists of money appropriated, credited, or

transferred to the fund by the legislature.

Sec. 28.154. APPLICATION; AMOUNT OF GRANT. (a) A district

or landowner who pays or incurs the cost of plugging an abandoned or

deteriorated water well may apply to the department for a

reimbursement grant for an amount equal to 50 percent of the costs

associated with plugging the water well.

(b) The department may approve an application for a grant

under this section only if the Texas Water Development Board finds

that the district or landowner has submitted sufficient

documentation to show that the district or landowner has

permanently plugged the abandoned or deteriorated water well in

accordance with this chapter and the rules and regulations of the

commission.

Sec. 28.155. APPLICATION FOR GRANT ON BEHALF OF LANDOWNER.

(a) A district may apply for a grant under Section 28.154 on behalf

of a landowner who has plugged an abandoned or deteriorated water

well on land that is located in the boundaries of the district.

(b) A district by resolution may establish rules regarding

the application process under this section.

Sec. 28.156. RULES. The department may adopt rules

necessary to administer the program established under this

subchapter, including rules regarding:

(1) inspection requirements; and

(2) administrative procedures, including procedures

related to the timing of a reimbursement.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.