S.B. No. 1253 AN ACT relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 395, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Section 395.0231 to read as follows: Sec. 395.0231. CONSERVATION AND REUSE CREDITS AGAINST WATER AND WASTEWATER FEES. (a) A political subdivision shall provide a credit against water and wastewater impact fees otherwise assessed to a development to a builder or developer for the construction, contribution, or dedication of an eligible facility, system, or product that results in water reuse, conservation, or savings. (b) A facility, system, or product eligible for a credit under this section includes a facility, system, or product that: (1) reduces per service unit water consumption, supply requirements, or necessary treatment and distribution infrastructure per service unit; (2) decreases the need of wastewater collection and treatment facilities per service unit; (3) diminishes the demand for stormwater and drainage facilities per service unit; or (4) integrates practices or technologies that achieve water efficiency, reuse, or conservation performance that exceed standard compliance requirements. (c) A political subdivision that provides a credit under this section shall establish procedures for: (1) calculating and applying the credits in a fair and consistent manner; and (2) reviewing and approving credits under this section. SECTION 2. Section 8843.152, Special District Local Laws Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 8843.152. SERVICE CONNECTION FEE AND PRODUCTION FEE. (a) This section does not apply to a water utility that has surface water as its sole source of water. (b) The district may levy and collect a water utility service connection fee not to exceed $1,000 for each new water service connection made after September 1, 2013. (c) The district may assess a production fee as provided by Section 36.205, Water Code. Subject to Subsection (d), a fee assessed under this subsection may not exceed 30 cents per 1,000 gallons. (d) Beginning January 1, 2026, and continuing on January 1 of each subsequent year, the maximum amount of the fee described by Subsection (c) increases by five percent from the previous year's maximum amount. (e) The district may provide a credit against a service connection fee otherwise assessed to a water utility that is also assessed a production fee under this section for the construction, contribution, or dedication of an eligible facility, system, or product that results in water reuse, conservation, or savings as described under Section 395.0231(b), Local Government Code. SECTION 3. Section 8843.104, Special District Local Laws Code, is repealed. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1253 passed the Senate on March 27, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0; and that the Senate concurred in House amendments on May 26, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1253 passed the House, with amendments, on May 21, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 112, Nays 28, two present not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: ______________________________ Date ______________________________ Governor