Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
6 bills that modify the Water Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I have worked my way through to the Transportation Code. The Utilities and Water Code will follow.
Blog Summary
SB 469 - defines a rural political subdivision
SB 471
SB 786 - closed-loop geothermal injection wells are covered by the Railroad commission
SB 1746
SB 1778
SB 1965
6 bills that modify the Water Code
Published: 2026-07-13
SB 469 - 4 pages
Defines a rural political subdivision as n urban area with a population of more than 50,000; a municipality of 10,000 or less in an urban are of 50,000 or more - or in a county with no urban area of 50,000 or more; count with no urban area of 50,000 or more; an entity that does nonprofit water or sewer where the state is a party.
SB 471 - 3 pages
The commission does not have to investigate a complaint that would otherwise be addressed during normal activities; or that is filed and cannot with reasonable probability be substantiated and is repetitious to one filed within the preceding 12 months or that a particular complainant has filed in the preceding 7 years at least 5 times.
SB 786 - 4 pages
A closed-loop geothermal injection well is a closed system well used to circulate water, other fluids, or gases through the earth as a heat source or heat sink to generate power or heat/cool a structure. The railroad commission has jurisdiction over closed-loop geothermal injection wells. A permit is required before drilling may begin for a closed-loop geothermal injection well.
SB 1746 - 4 pages
A temporary use water well used for drilling a groundwater production well is exempt from permitting now. Exemptions from permits may be withdrawn and fees may be charged if groundwater drilling is no longer solely supplying water for a rig drilling a groundwater production well. This exemption may not exceed 180 days, but an extension may be granted.
SB 1778 - 2 pages
Initiating, transferring, or terminating water or sewer service may be done by customer request by mail, phone, Internet website or other electronic transmission.
SB 1965 - 4 pages
The utility commission may sell, acquire, lease or rent a site without owner permission if the owner abandons operation of the facility and cannot be located. There are now procedures for expedited temporary management.
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