According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 1061 is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact on the state of Texas. The bill's changes to the procedural requirements for uranium mining permits—specifically the removal of contested case hearings—are assumed to be implementable within existing resources at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This suggests that no additional funding or personnel will be required to enforce the bill’s provisions.

Similarly, no significant fiscal impact is anticipated for local governments. While the bill could lead to a more expedited permitting process for uranium mining operations, which might result in economic benefits such as job creation and increased tax revenues, these effects are not quantified in the fiscal note. Additionally, potential costs associated with environmental remediation or groundwater protection due to increased uranium mining activity are not addressed in the fiscal note.

SB 1061 seeks to streamline regulatory processes for uranium mining in Texas by eliminating contested case hearings for permit amendments within previously approved mining boundaries. The bill removes procedural redundancies, which its proponents argue will increase efficiency and reduce regulatory burdens on the uranium mining industry. By repealing Sections 27.0513(f) and (g) of the Texas Water Code, SB 1061 further simplifies the approval process, effectively reducing public or governmental scrutiny on certain mining activities.

While SB 1061 aligns with free enterprise and limited government principles by cutting bureaucratic delays and making the regulatory environment more business-friendly, it simultaneously raises serious concerns about individual liberty and private property rights. The removal of contested case hearings diminishes the ability of affected landowners and community members to challenge mining activities that may impact groundwater resources or environmental health. Additionally, while the bill sets groundwater restoration criteria, it does not introduce new environmental safeguards, raising concerns about potential long-term risks to water quality.

To ensure a balanced approach between regulatory efficiency and public and environmental accountability, the following amendments should be considered:

• Restore contested case hearing rights for affected landowners and communities.
• Enhance groundwater monitoring requirements to ensure mining operations meet restoration commitments.
• Increase transparency measures, including mandatory public notices for permit amendments.

Without these amendments, SB 1061 prioritizes industry convenience over public participation and environmental protection, making it a risk to individual liberty and property rights. Therefore, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote NO unless the bill is amended as described above.

• HB 279 (Same As)