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.