Sec. 8830.153. EXEMPTION FROM PRODUCTION FEES FOR GROUNDWATER USED FOR CERTAIN EMERGENCY PURPOSES. (a) In this section, "involved entity" means:

(1) a fire department or emergency services district that uses groundwater produced within the boundaries of the district; or

(2) a person that provides groundwater produced within the boundaries of the district to a fire department or emergency services district.

(b) Groundwater produced within the boundaries of the district for use by a fire department or emergency services district solely for emergency purposes is exempt from the assessment of any production fees that would otherwise be required under a district rule, resolution, or order adopted under Section 8830.152.

(c) For purposes of this section, emergency purposes include the use of groundwater:

(1) to fight fires, manage chemical spills, and otherwise address emergency public safety or welfare concerns; and

(2) for training exercises conducted in preparation for responding to fires, chemical spills, and other emergency public safety or welfare concerns.

(d) The district may adopt rules to implement this section that require each involved entity to report to the district using reasonable and appropriate reporting methods established by the district:

(1) the total quantity of groundwater produced or used, as applicable, for all purposes by the involved entity during each month of the reporting period;

(2) the quantity of groundwater produced or used, as applicable, for emergency purposes during each month of the reporting period; and

(3) the quantity of groundwater produced or used, as applicable, for any purpose other than for emergency purposes during each month of the reporting period.

(e) The production fee exemption provided by Subsection (b) does not apply to groundwater produced for a purpose other than for emergency purposes.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 390 (H.B. 1664), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.