TX HB1400

Creates the Groundwater Science, Research, and Innovation Fund as a special fund in the state treasury administered by the Texas Water Development Board

Provides grants exclusively to groundwater conservation districts for programs and projects that improve understanding of local groundwater conditions, develop groundwater models, increase water conservation and efficiency, enhance groundwater recharge, or protect groundwater quality

Requires at least 35% of fund disbursements go to smaller districts with populations of 100,000 or less and annual revenues of $250,000 or less

Allows the board to require grant recipients to provide matching funds equal to 25% of the grant amount through direct expenditures or in-kind services, except for projects conducted in partnership with higher education institutions

Mandates that districts receiving financial assistance must share all data, science, and research findings from funded programs with the Texas Water Development Board