NEWS
Counties directed by SB 2440 to require water studies for developments 10 lots or more

By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District offered Montague County Commissioners its assistance as they work to comply with a new state law requiring counties and municipalities to require groundwater studies for subdivision developments of more than 10 lots.
Doug Shaw, general manager for UTGCD and Tracy Mesler, president of the district board, met with the commissioner’s court Monday to discuss the consequences of Senate Bill 2440. It was submitted by Sen. Charles Perry of Lubbock and Shaw said it started when a lot of subdivisions began popping up outside Lubbock just like in Parker County.
“There was a big hunk of land sold, it was developed with lots of houses that now hardly have any water. The court out there hesitated to pass tract restrictions, which led Perry to submit a bill. Ultimately, it was to protect the homeowner. People buy lots or houses are under the assumption they will have water, sewer and electricity available,” explained Shaw.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
NEWS
Gov. Abbott announces special session

Signs 1,155 Bills, Vetoes 26 Bills For 89th Regular Legislative Session
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the final list of 1,155 bills signed into law and 26 bills vetoed from the 89th Regular Legislative Session. Governor Abbott’s veto statements may be viewed here and here. The Governor also announced he will call a Special Session to begin on Monday, July 21, along with an initial list of agenda items.
“Working with the Texas Legislature, we delivered results that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott. “Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas House and Senate worked hard to send critical legislation to my desk. This session has seen monumental success, but there is more we can do.”
All seven of Governor Abbott’s emergency items passed the Texas Legislature and were signed into law:
- Property Tax Relief
- Generational Investment in Water
- Raise Teacher Pay
- Expand Career Training
- School Choice
- Bail Reform
- Creation of the Texas Cyber Command
Additionally, Governor Abbott:
- Signed 1,155 bills
- Vetoed 26 bills
- Signed the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act and the Supplemental Budget
At this time, the Governor has identified several bills that were vetoed or filed without signature that will be placed on the upcoming Special Session agenda for further consideration:
- Senate Bill 3: Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products.
- Senate Bill 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.
- Senate Bill 1253: Relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee.
- Senate Bill 1278: Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution.
- Senate Bill 1758: Relating to the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility.
- Senate Bill 2878: Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.
NEWS
City of Bowie officials close Pillar and Rock intersection due to sinkhole

On Friday city officials reported the intersection at Rock and Pillar was closed due to a sinkhole in the street. This area has been experiencing major drainage problems for many years damaging culverts and the street asphalt and concrete, with a portion of the street collapsing earlier in the spring. Drivers should avoid this area.
NEWS
Lake Amon G. Carter to reopen on June 20
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2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
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Suspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
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SO investigating possible murder/suicide
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Wreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
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Murder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
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Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
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Bowie Police face three-hour standoff after possible domestic fight
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Driver stopped by a man running into the street, robbed at knifepoint