Relating to a requirement to report to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation an abandoned or deteriorated water well identified during an inspection of an on-site sewage disposal system.
Summary
SB 2500 would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, an authorized agent, or another designated inspector to report the location of any abandoned or deteriorated water well discovered during an inspection of an on-site sewage disposal system to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The bill is narrowly focused on adding a reporting duty when a water well is identified in the course of septic-system inspections.
The measure amends Section 366.055 of the Health and Safety Code by creating a new subsection that directs the reporting of these wells to TDLR. It does not itself create new enforcement authority over the wells, but it is intended to improve identification and tracking of abandoned or deteriorated wells, which can pose safety and environmental risks. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
SB 2500 would change Texas Health and Safety Code provisions governing on-site sewage disposal system inspections by imposing a mandatory reporting requirement for abandoned or deteriorated water wells discovered during those inspections. The practical effect is to connect septic-system inspection activity with TDLR’s oversight of water well issues, potentially improving coordination between agencies and helping locate wells that may need attention under existing law. The bill affects inspectors, authorized agents, property owners with wells, and TDLR, but it does not appear to alter permitting or remediation standards directly.
Sentiment
The available record suggests little to no controversy around SB 2500. The bill was referred to the Senate Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs Committee and there are no recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts indicating opposition or debate. Its limited scope and administrative nature suggest it was viewed as a technical or coordination measure rather than a major policy change.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the available materials. Because the bill simply adds a reporting requirement, any concerns would likely center on administrative burden for inspectors, coordination between agencies, or whether the reporting obligation could create additional follow-up responsibilities for property owners or local agents. However, no legislator or stakeholder objections are documented in the provided record.
Relating to the regulation and planning of on-site sewage disposal systems; authorizing and increasing an administrative penalty; increasing the amount of a fee.