HBA-JEK, LJP H.B. 3659 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3659
By: Counts
Natural Resources
7/25/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Texas faces a difficult challenge to develop water policies that serve both
state and regional interests. The Texas Constitution authorizes the
creation of groundwater conservation districts to plan, develop, and
regulate the use of water.  House Bill 3659 creates the Wes-Tex Groundwater
Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election, to
manage groundwater resources in Nolan County. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 3659 creates the Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District
(district) in Nolan County, 
subject to voter approval.

The bill provides that the district is governed by a board of nine
directors and sets forth provisions regarding the composition of the board,
the terms, qualifications, and election of the directors, as well as the
names of the five temporary directors.  The bill sets forth provisions
regarding an election to confirm the establishment of the district. 

H.B. 3659 authorizes the board to impose taxes annually to pay the
maintenance and operating expenses of the district at a rate not to exceed
three cents on each $100 of assessed valuation.  The bill provides that the
district does not have the power to: acquire land; purchase, sell,
transport, or distribute surface water or groundwater; issue bonds; or
exercise eminent domain authority. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.