TITLE 31. NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
PART 1. GENERAL LAND OFFICE
CHAPTER 15. COASTAL AREA PLANNING
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The General Land Office (GLO) adopts an amendment to 31 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §15.36 relating to the Certification Status of the City of Galveston Dune Protection and Beach Access Plan (Plan), without changes to the proposed text.
The proposed rule was published in the May 22, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 3531) and will not be republished.
The GLO adopts new subsection §15.36(f) to certify the amendments to the City of Galveston's Plan as consistent with state law.
BACKGROUND OF THE AMENDMENT
Pursuant to the Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resources Code (TNRC) Chapter 61; the Dune Protection Act, TNRC Chapter 63; TNRC §33.607, and 31 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §§15.3, 15.7, and 15.17, a local government with jurisdiction over Gulf coast beaches must submit any proposed amendments to its Plan to the GLO for certification. If appropriate, the GLO will certify the Plan as consistent with state law by amendment of a rule, as authorized in TNRC §§61.011(d)(5), 61.015(b), and 63.121. The certification by rule reflects the state's certification of the Plan; however, the text of the Plan is not adopted by the GLO, as provided in 31 TAC §15.3(o)(4).
On November 13, 2025, the Galveston City Council passed Ordinance No. 25-061, which expanded the Restricted Use Area at Access Point 1(C) from 2,640 to 3,690 linear feet and reduced the on-beach parking at Access Point 13 from 350 feet to 100 feet since prior improvements to the off-beach parking area and pedestrian pathway to the beach have been completed.
The City is a coastal community in Galveston County, located on Galveston Island and bordering West Bay, Galveston Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. The City's Dune Protection and Beach Access Plan was first adopted on August 12, 1993, and most recently amended to allow a variance for the use of reinforced concrete, prohibit vehicular access at Access Point 7, and to update the Beach Access and Parking Plan in Appendix A and Beach Access Maps in Exhibit C, and was certified by the GLO as consistent with state law effective November 7, 2024.
ANALYSIS OF PLAN AMENDMENTS
The size of the Restricted Use Area (RUA) at Access Point (AP) 1(C) will increase by 1,050 linear feet. The existing RUA is a 2,640-foot-long stretch of beach adjacent to the east end of Stewart Beach that is open to vehicles for persons with disabilities, people who are fishing, or people who are launching non-motorized personal watercraft. The RUA is also accessible to pedestrians from an adjacent off-beach parking area. The expansion of the RUA will preserve and enhance the public's use of and access to the beach as required in 31 TAC §15.7(h) since select vehicular access to the beach will be increased and pedestrian beach access from the existing off-beach parking area will be maintained. Any future actions to remove vehicles from this area must comply with requirements for pedestrian beaches in 31 TAC §15.7(h).
The on-beach parking at AP 13 will be reduced from 350 feet to 100 feet and the City will remove the language in the Plan that states that on-beach parking will be provided while substantial physical improvements to the off-beach parking lot and pedestrian pathway occur. The on-beach parking at this access point was provided as an interim measure as part of the City's Compliance Plan to address beach access and parking compliance issues. AP 13 previously did not have the off-beach parking or the pedestrian pathway to the beach required by the City's existing Plan. The City has completed improvements to the off-beach parking lot and pedestrian pathway to the beach, making the on-beach parking area no longer necessary as an interim compliance measure. Instead of removing the entirety of the 350-foot on-beach parking area, the City will leave 100 feet of on-beach parking at this access point.
The Beach Access Map for AP 22 will be amended to change the location of the off-beach public parking spaces. The total number of parking spaces remains the same.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The 30-day public comment period ended on June 22, 2026. During this period, the GLO did not receive any comments.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The amendments are adopted under Texas Natural Resources Code §§33.602, 33.607, 61.011, 61.015(b), 61.022 (b) & (c), 63.091, and 63.121, which provide the GLO with the authority to adopt rules governing the preservation and enhancement of the public's right to access and use public beaches and certification of local government beach access and dune protection plans as consistent with state law.
Texas Natural Resources Code §§33.602, 33.607, 61.011, 61.015(b), 61.022 (b) & (c), 63.091, and 63.121 are affected by the amendments. The GLO hereby certifies that the section as adopted has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's authority.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 13, 2026.
TRD-202602860
Jennifer Jones
Chief Clerk and Deputy Land Commissioner
General Land Office
Effective date: August 2, 2026
Proposal publication date: May 22, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1859
PART 2. TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
CHAPTER 65. WILDLIFE
SUBCHAPTER
W.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, in a duly noticed meeting on March 26, 2026, adopted an amendment to 31 TAC §65.907, concerning Special Take Authorization - Wildlife, with changes to the proposed text as published in the February 20, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1026). The rule will be republished.
The change replace the word "applicant" with the word "requester" throughout the rule and removes an extraneous comma in subsection (l)(2).
The amendment broadens the scope of the current rule governing authorization for take to encompass other wildlife heath or disease-related scenarios in addition to those involving deer. In general, the rule as adopted creates flexibility to address future wildlife-disease-related situations by allowing landowners to take any species of wildlife as authorized by the department. The language to reflect this broadening is made throughout the rule as necessary.
Subsection (a) replaces the word "application" with "request" to distinguish the process of obtaining an authorization from other administrative processes related to permit and license issuance. Additionally, the amendment alters paragraph (2) to remove the stipulation that an inspection is required prior to issuance of an authorization. In many cases, the department is already familiar with or can easily evaluate a given situation without needing to physically visit a site.
The amendment to subsection (d) removes current language enumerating particulars (who is authorized to act under the authorization, means and methods of take, carcass disposal, etc.) and replaces it with a general provision stipulating that the department will address such particulars as part of the authorization, which is intended to simplify the rule and increase response times.
Similarly, the amendments to subsections (e) and (f) simplify current rule language. The amendment to subsection (e) simplifies provisions governing the period of validity of an authorization by removing language establishing specific time periods and subsequent extensions, replacing them with a general provision to establish that the period of validity of an authorization will be specified in the authorization. The amendment to subsection (f) replaces language regarding the specific process in current rule regarding tissue collection necessary for CWD testing and replaces it with a general provision allowing the department to specify in the authorization such processes and tissues as necessary for any given species of animal/disease.
The amendment to subsection (i) removes specific disposal requirements related to deer and replaces it with a provision allowing the department to specify carcass and tissue disposal measures in the authorization as necessary and appropriate, and for the same reasons identified earlier in this preamble in the discussion of the changes to subsections (e) and (f).
The department received seven comments opposing adoption of the rules as proposed. Of those comments, four provided a reason or rationale for opposing adoption. Those comments, accompanied by the department's response to each, follow. The department notes that because some comments in opposition to the rules consisted of multiple points or components, the department has organized the response to public comment accordingly; therefore, the number of responses is greater than the number of commenters.
Two commenters opposed adoption of the rules as proposed and stated that the rules result in excess bureaucracy, authority, and overreach. The department disagrees with the comments and responds that it has a statutory duty to protect the indigenous wildlife of the state, the rule is consistent with that duty as well as with the authority granted by the legislature to the commission to implement it, and the rule as adopted in fact reduces complexity, simplifies regulatory presence, and facilitates administrative efficiency. No changes were made as a result of the comments.
One commenter opposed adoption of the rule as proposed and stated that too much is left to the discretion of the agency. The department disagrees with the comment and responds that it is impossible to craft rule language that anticipates all, most, or even many of the scenarios that could present themselves with respect to disease emergence and subsequent management efforts for any given species; therefore broad language is necessary in order to provide the department with the latitude to respond quickly in the event that a disease emergency threatens the state's wildlife resources. No changes were made as a result of the comment.
One commenter opposed adoption of the rule as proposed and stated that the language prohibiting the recording or photography of take activities will result in limited transparency and restricts the autonomy of landowners. The department disagrees with the comment and responds that it is not germane to the rule as proposed or adopted; however, the department notes that the rule is intended solely as a disease-management tool and not as a vehicle for curiosity media pieces, commercial exploitation, or public spectacle. No changes were made as a result of the comment.
One commenter opposed adoption of the rule as proposed, specifically, to the requirement for persons acting under the provisions of an authorization to possess a hunting license. The department disagrees with the comment and responds that the comment is not germane to the rule as proposed or adopted and in any case Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 42, provides that no person may take any animal or bird (with specific exceptions) without having first acquired a hunting license, which the commission does not possess the authority to eliminate or modify. No changes were made as a result of the comment.
One commenter opposed adoption of the rule as proposed and stated concern regarding the take of avian wildlife species, including those protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, under the guise of a response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza ("bird flu"), and whether this could be used to kill endangered or closely monitored species. The department disagrees that the rule as adopted will, under any circumstances, be used for any purpose other than legitimate, articulable, and scientifically defensible disease-management purposes or that the rule exempts any prohibitions under federal law, which the commission does not possess the authority to eliminate or modify. No changes were made as a result of the comment.
The department received 17 comments supporting adoption of the rules as proposed.
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Texas Wildlife Association supported adoption of the rules as proposed.
The amendment is adopted under the authority of Parks and Wildlife Code, §12.013, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules governing the take of wildlife under the supervision of a department employee in a program or event designated by the director as being conducted for the diagnosis, management, or prevention of a disease in wildlife.
§65.907.
(a) The department may issue a special take authorization for the take of wildlife for purposes of assisting the department in conducting wildlife disease diagnosis, management, or prevention (hereinafter, "special take authorization"), as provided in this subsection. A person may request a special take authorization by completing and submitting a request on a form supplied or approved by the department for that purpose.
(1) The department will not consider an incomplete request for a special take authorization.
(2) The department may, at its discretion, conduct an inspection.
(3) A special take authorization shall be issued only to a named individual and not in the name of any corporation, business, association, or group.
(b) A special take authorization is not valid until:
(1) the requester has acknowledged, in writing via email to the department employee identified as the supervisory point of contact, that the requester and all agents of the requester have read and understand all:
(A) provisions of the special take authorization; and
(B) attendant obligations of the person to whom the special take authorization is issued and that person's agents; and
(2) it has been approved in writing by the director of the department's Wildlife Division or designee and the director of the department's Law Enforcement Division or designee.
(c) A special take authorization shall specify the number and species of wildlife to be taken. No wildlife other than the number and species authorized shall be taken.
(d) The conditions and requirements for the take of wildlife shall be listed in the special take authorization.
(e) A special take authorization is valid for the duration specified in the special take authorization issued to the requester. A copy of the special take authorization or a reproduction of the special take authorization on an electronic device (such as a cell phone or tablet) shall be produced upon request of a department employee in the discharge of their official duties. A copy of the email from the department granting an extension of a special take authorization or a reproduction of that email on an electronic device (such as a cell phone or tablet) shall be produced upon request of a department employee in the discharge of their official duties.
(f) Any tissues or parts of wildlife specified in the authorization must be submitted to the department or an approved lab as directed in the special take authorization.
(g) The department will not issue a special take authorization for the take of wildlife on any tract of land unless:
(1) the owner of the land is in compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 65, Subchapter A and Subchapter B, of this title; or
(2) the department determines that the disease management value of the prospective activities is a factor of such significance that approval is warranted.
(h) Wildlife taken during the period of validity of a special take authorization shall be reported to the department within 24 hours of removal via email or other department approved notification method to the department's wildlife division representative coordinating the authorization.
(i) Following submission to the department of any tissues or parts necessary as directed in a special take authorization, a person to whom the special take authorization or an agent thereof shall dispose of all remaining portions or parts of wildlife as directed by the department in the special take authorization.
(j) The department will not issue a special take authorization unless the requester agrees in writing not to record by means of video, photograph, or other electronic media the act of taking or attempting to take wildlife under a special take authorization, or allow such recordings, or to make such recordings available to the public.
(k) This section shall not be construed to relieve any person of the obligation to comply with any applicable municipal, county, state, or federal law, except as may be specifically authorized with respect to Parks and Wildlife Code and the regulations of the commission.
(l) It is an offense for any person to:
(1) take or attempt to take wildlife under a special take authorization without possessing a hunting license valid for the take of deer in Texas;
(2) sell, barter, offer to sell or barter, or otherwise give or receive anything of value in exchange for taking or allowing the take of wildlife or any parts of the animal under a special take authorization.
(m) The validity of a special take authorization is completely conditioned on the conduct of the person to whom the special take authorization is issued and agents of that person. Failure to abide by or comply with any provision of a special take authorization, as determined by the department, automatically invalidates the authorization and subjects the violator to prosecution for applicable violations of Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapters 42, 43, 61, 62, or 63 and any department regulations related to the take of wildlife listed on the authorization for take.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 8, 2026.
TRD-202602794
James Murphy
General Counsel
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Effective date: July 28, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 20, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 389-4775
PART 18. TEXAS GROUNDWATER PROTECTION COMMITTEE
CHAPTER 601. GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION REPORT
The Texas Groundwater Protection Committee (TGPC or committee) adopts amendments to 31 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §§601.1 - 601.3, 601.5, and 601.10.
Amended §§601.1 - 601.3, 601.5, and 601.10 are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 24, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 2611) and, therefore, will not be republished.
Background and Summary of the Factual Basis for the Adopted Rules
The purpose of this rule adoption is to implement the provisions of Senate Bill (SB) 2124 and to address provisions of SB 1663, both passed during the 89th Legislature Regular Session (2025).
SB 2124 amended the publication deadline for the committee's annual Joint Groundwater Monitoring and Contamination Report (Joint Report). SB 1663 amended the list of entities to receive notice of groundwater contamination to include the residents of each residential address within one mile of the contamination site and allowed alternative delivery methods.
The rule adoption amends the publication deadline for the Joint Report to align with the date referenced in Texas Water Code (TWC), §26.406(c) and updates the form and content for a notice of groundwater contamination to more closely align with the new requirements in TWC, §26.408(b). The rule adoption also makes clarifying language updates to one sub-section of 31 TAC Chapter 601, along with additional non-substantive grammatical and formatting changes for improved clarity and consistency.
The rules in 31 TAC Chapter 601 define the conditions that constitute groundwater contamination for the purpose of inclusion of cases in the public files for each state agency having responsibilities related to the protection of groundwater. The rules also describe the contents of the committee's Joint Report required under TWC, §26.406. The Joint Report describes the current status of groundwater monitoring activities conducted by or required by each agency at regulated facilities or associated with regulated activities; contains a description of each case of groundwater contamination documented during the previous calendar year; contains a description of each case of contamination documented during the previous year for which enforcement action was incomplete at the time of issuance of the preceding report; and, indicates the status of enforcement action for each case of contamination which is listed.
The rules also specify the form and content of a notice of groundwater contamination as directed by TWC, §26.408(c). The charge to the committee under TWC, §26.408(c) is limited to adopting rules that prescribe the form and content of the notice required under §26.408(b). Currently, 31 TAC §601.10 references who receives notice: specifically, the owner of a private drinking water well that may be affected by the contamination and each applicable Groundwater Conservation District (GCD). SB 1663 added that notice must be provided to all residents at each residential address within one mile of the contamination, which is not included in the rule. Since applicability is addressed by TWC, §26.408(c) and the committee is not charged by statute with further defining applicability, the adopted rulemaking removes applicability provisions in the first paragraph of 31 TAC 601.10. The adopted rulemaking also updates the content of the notification.
Section by Section Discussion
The adopted amendment to §601.1, Purposes of Rules, adds a comma at the end of sub-section (2) and clarifies that the form and content of the notice of groundwater contamination is required under TWC, §26.408(c).
The adopted amendment to §601.2, Applicability, adds a comma at the end of sub-section (9).
The adopted amendment to §601.3, Definitions, in sub-section (8), removes a comma after "Texas Water Code, §26.403(c)" and updates the names of two member agencies to match those listed in §601.2, Applicability.
The adopted amendment to §601.5, Joint Groundwater Monitoring and Contamination Report, aligns the Joint Report's publication deadline with the date referenced in TWC, §26.406(c), clarifies that the Joint Report is an annual report, and adds a comma at the end of sub-section (2).
The adopted amendment to §601.10, Form and Content of Groundwater Contamination Notice, clarifies that the form and content of the notice of groundwater contamination is required under TWC, §26.408(c); references TWC, §26.408(b) instead of listing those that receive the notification; adds a comma at the end of sub-section (1); and, updates the content of the notice of groundwater contamination required under TWC, §26.408(c) to include a website or other resource with the name of the contaminant(s), the general location of the known groundwater contamination, and contact options for further information.
Final Regulatory Impact Determination
The committee reviewed the adopted amendments in consideration of the regulatory analysis of major environmental rules required by the Texas Government Code (TGC). The following is a summary of that review.
The committee determined that the rulemaking is not subject to TGC, §2001.0225(a) because it does not meet the definition of a "Major environmental rule" as that term is defined in TGC, §2001.0225(g)(3).
Section 2001.0225 applies to a "Major environmental rule" adopted by a state agency, the result of which is to exceed standards set by federal law, exceed express requirements of state law, exceed requirements of delegation agreements between the state and the federal government to implement a state and federal program, or adopt a rule solely under the general powers of the agency instead of under a specific state law. A "Major environmental rule" is a rule, the specific intent of which is to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure and that may adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector or the state.
The 89th Legislature Regular Session (2025) enacted SB 2124, which amended TWC, Chapter 26, Subchapter J (Groundwater Protection) by changing the date referenced in TWC, §26.406(c), which is also the date the committee, in conjunction with the commission, must publish not later than June 1, rather than April 1, of each year a "Joint Groundwater Monitoring and Contamination Report" (Joint Report) covering the activities and findings of the committee made during the previous calendar year as part of its continuing duty to coordinate state agency actions to protect groundwater quality and terrestrial and aquatic life.
The committee's rules require that in cases of groundwater contamination, all state agencies having responsibilities related to protecting groundwater must document each case in the public files of that state agency. The Joint Report requires these applicable state agencies' programs to close out calendar year activities and gather and analyze significant volumes of data. The committee must then combine all the agencies' programs' data and conduct further analysis. Because quality assurance and control are integral components of the process to prepare the Joint Report, changing the date that the Joint Report must be published to June 1, rather than April 1, of each year the Joint Report is required, allows the committee two more months to finish the time-intensive analysis required to prepare the Joint Report.
Therefore, the specific intent of the adopted rule amendments is related to maximizing the quality assurance and control integral to the committee's implementation of state law. SB 2124 amends Chapter 26 of the TWC by changing the date referenced in TWC, §26.406(c), and the adopted rulemaking amends the committee rules found at Title 31 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 601 (Groundwater Contamination Report), which implements TWC, Subchapter J (Groundwater Protection). The adopted rule amendments align the Joint Report's publication deadline with the date referenced in TWC, §26.406(c).
Certain aspects of the committee's Joint Report rules are intended to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure. However, the adopted rulemaking will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, or jobs; nor would the adopted rulemaking adversely affect in a material way the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector of the state. Therefore, the adopted rulemaking does not fit the TGC, §2001.0225 definition of "Major environmental rule."
Even if this rulemaking was a "Major environmental rule," this rulemaking meets none of the criteria in TGC, §2001.0225 for the requirement to prepare a full Regulatory Impact Analysis. First, this rulemaking is not governed by federal law. Second, it does not exceed state law but rather amends an applicable date within state law and committee rules. Third, it does not come under a delegation agreement or contract with a federal program, and finally, it is not being adopted under the committee's general rulemaking authority. This rulemaking is being adopted under a specific state statute amended in SB 2124 of the 89th Legislature Regular Session (2025) and implements existing state law found at TWC, §26.406 that mandates that the committee publish a Joint Report. Because this adoption does not constitute a major environmental rule, a regulatory impact analysis is not required. Therefore, the committee does not adopt the rule solely under the committee's general powers.
The committee invited public comment regarding the Draft Regulatory Impact Analysis Determination during the public comment period and no comments were received on that determination.
Takings Impact Assessment
The committee evaluated the adopted rulemaking and performed an analysis of whether it constitutes a taking under TGC, Chapter 2007. The following is a summary of that analysis.
Under TGC, §2007.002(5), "taking" means a governmental action that affects private real property, in whole or in part or temporarily or permanently, in a manner that requires the governmental entity to compensate the private real property owner as provided by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution or Section 17 or 19, Article I, Texas Constitution; or a governmental action that affects an owner's private real property that is the subject of the governmental action, in whole or in part or temporarily or permanently, in a manner that restricts or limits the owner's right to the property that would otherwise exist in the absence of the governmental action and is the producing cause of a reduction of at least 25% in the market value of the affected private real property, determined by comparing the market value of the property as if governmental action is not in effect and the market value of the property determined as if the governmental action is in effect.
The specific purpose of the adopted rulemaking is to implement the legislative amendments to the TWC in SB 2124 by amending committee's Joint Report rules. The committee's Joint Report rules do not regulate property but instead regulate the documentation of groundwater contamination. The adopted rulemaking will substantially advance the stated purpose by amending rule language that requires that the committee publish the Joint Report on April 1 of a calendar year that a Joint Report is required, to June 1 of that calendar year.
Promulgation and enforcement of the adopted rules will not be a statutory or constitutional taking of private real property because, as the committee's analysis indicates that Chapter 2007 of the TGC does not apply to these adopted rules because these rules do not impact private real property in a manner that would require compensation to private real property owners under the United States Constitution or the Texas Constitution. Specifically, the adopted rulemaking does not apply to or affect any landowner's rights in any private real property because it does not burden (constitutionally), restrict, or limit any landowner's right to real property and reduce any property's value by 25% or more beyond that which would otherwise exist in the absence of the regulations. The primary purpose of the adopted rules is to implement SB 2124 by changing the date referenced in TWC, §26.406(c). The adopted rulemaking is reasonably taken to fulfill requirements of state law. Therefore, the adopted rulemaking will not cause a taking under TGC, Chapter 2007.
The committee invited public comments regarding the Takings Impact Assessment during the public comment period and no comments were received regarding the Takings Impact Assessment.
Consistency with the Coastal Management Program
The committee reviewed the adopted rulemaking and found that the rule is neither identified in Coastal Coordination Act Implementation Rules, 31 TAC §29.11, nor will it affect any action or authorization identified in Coastal Coordination Act Implementation Rules, 31 TAC §29.11. Therefore, the adopted rule is not subject to the Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP).
The committee invited public comments regarding the consistency with the CMP during the public comment period and no comments were received regarding the CMP.
Public Comment
The comment period closed on May 26, 2026. The committee received comments from one individual. The commentor was not in support of or against the rulemaking, and the commentor did not suggest any changes to the proposal.
Response to Comments
Comment
The commentor asked why a developer was planning to route treated wastewater across his property.
Response
The committee acknowledges the comment. The comment is outside of the scope of this rulemaking, and no changes were made in response to the comment.
SUBCHAPTER
A.
Statutory Authority
The Texas Groundwater Protection Committee (TGPC or committee) adopts these amendments to the committee's rules under the Texas Water Code (TWC). TWC, §26.403 establishes the committee and its members, while TWC, §26.401 identifies the committee's purpose, and TWC, §26.405 provides the committee with the authority to carry out its duties and general powers under its jurisdictional authority as provided by TWC, §26.405(1). TWC, §§26.404(e) and 26.406(d) require the committee to adopt any rule necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC and other laws of the state. Lastly, TWC, §26.406(c) requires the committee, in conjunction with the commission, to publish the annual Joint Groundwater Monitoring and Contamination Report (Joint Report).
These amendments implement Senate Bill 2124, 89th Legislature Regular Session (2025), TWC, §§26.401, 26.403 - 26.406.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 10, 2026.
TRD-202602853
Amy Browning
Deputy Director, Environmental Law Division
Texas Groundwater Protection Committee
Effective date: July 30, 2026
Proposal publication date: April 24, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 239-2678
SUBCHAPTER
B.
Statutory Authority
The Texas Groundwater Protection Committee (TGPC or committee) adopts these amendments to the committee's rules under the Texas Water Code (TWC). TWC, §26.403 establishes the committee and its members, while TWC, §26.401 identifies the committee's purpose, and TWC, §26.405 provides the committee with the authority to carry out its duties and general powers under its jurisdictional authority as provided by TWC, §26.405(1). TWC, §§26.404(e) and 26.406(d) require the committee to adopt any rule necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the TWC and other laws of the state. Lastly, TWC, §26.408(c) requires the committee, by rule, to prescribe the form and content of the groundwater contamination notice required under TWC, §26.408(b).
These amendments address provisions of Senate Bill 1663, 89th Legislature Regular Session (2025), TWC, §26.408(b).
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 10, 2026.
TRD-202602854
Amy Browning
Deputy Director, Environmental Law Division
Texas Groundwater Protection Committee
Effective date: July 30, 2026
Proposal publication date: April 24, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 239-2678