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SB2124

Regular Session

Relating to publication of the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee's annual report.

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) • Texas Groundwater Protection Committee (TGPC)

SB2124
Low
Relating to publication of the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee's annual report.
Low Compliance Urgency
Requires routine attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
TCEQTGPC
Primary Author: Sen. Judith Zaffirini
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: The first report subject to the new deadline will be the 2025 activity report, due by June 1, 2026. (Note: This deadline applies to the Agency, not the business).
  • Agency Rulemaking: No formal rulemaking is required. The TGPC and TCEQ will internally adjust their drafting schedules to utilize the two-month extension.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Update Corporate Communications Calendars: Move the "anticipation window" for media inquiries regarding groundwater contamination records from April to June.
  • Audit Due Diligence Protocols: Instruct outside counsel and environmental consultants to stop using the TGPC Annual Report as a primary screening tool for transactions occurring in Q1/Q2, as the data will be significantly outdated.
  • Reinforce Internal Deadlines: Issue a memo to EHS managers confirming that this legislation does not extend their deadlines for submitting monitoring data to the TCEQ or RRC.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

No changes required. Standard Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and vendor contracts remain unaffected. However, for M&A and Real Estate transactions, Counsel should advise environmental consultants that the consolidated "Joint Report" will now be two months less current. Due diligence contracts should specify that consultants must query live agency databases (e.g., TCEQ Central Registry) rather than relying on the annual summary report.

Hiring/Training

No changes required. No new certifications or personnel are mandated.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

No changes to business submissions.

  • Crucial Distinction: The law extends the deadline for the *State* to compile data, not for *you* to submit it.
  • Regulated entities must continue to submit groundwater monitoring data to the TCEQ, RRC, or other oversight agencies according to existing permit schedules.
  • Do not adjust internal compliance calendars based on this agency extension.

Fees & Costs

No impact. The Legislative Budget Board anticipates no fiscal implication to the State or local governments, and no fee increases are authorized by this bill.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

The "Data Latency" Gap.

The law effectively sanctions a five-month lag (January 1 to June 1) between the close of a reporting year and the publication of the consolidated report.

  • Risk: Public interest groups or media may aggressively request raw data via the Public Information Act (PIA) during this gap period if they suspect contamination, rather than waiting for the June report.
  • Ambiguity: The law does not specify if the agency *must* wait until June 1. They *may* publish earlier, making the exact release date unpredictable for PR teams managing reputation risks.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Mar 10, 2025
Passed Senate
Apr 16, 2025
Passed House
May 20, 2025
Signed
May 30, 2025
TopicsElectronic Information SystemsEnvironmentEnvironment--waterEnvironmental Quality, Texas Commission On
03

Senate Authors

Sen. Judith ZaffiriniDemocrat · Primary Author

House Sponsor

Rep. Jeff BarryRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB2124

Q

What does Texas SB2124 do?

SB2124 amends the Texas Water Code to extend the statutory deadline for the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee (TGPC) to publish its annual Joint Groundwater Monitoring and Contamination Report from April 1 to June 1. While this legislation relieves administrative pressure on state agencies, it creates a longer lag time for the public release of consolidated contamination data, affecting reputation management timelines and environmental due diligence cycles. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025 Compliance Deadline: The first report subject to the new deadline will be the 2025 activity report, due by June 1, 2026.

Q

Who authored SB2124?

SB2124 was authored by Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB2124 signed into law?

SB2124 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 30, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB2124?

SB2124 is enforced by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Texas Groundwater Protection Committee (TGPC).

Q

How urgent is compliance with SB2124?

The compliance urgency for SB2124 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB2124?

The cost impact of SB2124 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB2124 address?

SB2124 addresses topics including electronic information systems, environment, environment--water and environmental quality, texas commission on.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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