HBA-SEP H.B. 3675 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3675
By: Bonnen
Natural Resources
7/18/2001
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 3675 creates the Brazoria County
Groundwater Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation
election, to manage Brazoria County's groundwater resources.   

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 3675 creates the Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation
District (district) subject to voter approval at a confirmation election.
The bill provides that the district is governed by a board of five
directors and sets forth provisions regarding the election, qualifications,
and terms of the directors.  The bill authorizes the board of directors to
impose an operation and maintenance tax at a rate not to exceed five cents
for each $100 of taxable value of property in the district if approved or,
if an election fails to approve an operation and maintenance tax, the board
of directors may impose reasonable fees on each nonexempt well in the
district.  The district is prohibited from exercising the power of eminent
domain; acquiring land; or issuing or selling bonds.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.