HBA-LJP H.B. 787 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 787 By: Gallego Natural Resources 2/18/2001 Introduced 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 787 creates the Brewster County Groundwater Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election, to manage Brewster 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 787 creates the Brewster County Groundwater Conservation District (district). The bill prohibits the district from collecting an ad valorem tax. The bill provides that the district is governed by a board of seven directors and sets forth provisions regarding the composition and administration of the board and the appointment, qualifications, and terms of the directors. The bill sets forth provisions regarding an election to confirm the establishment of the district. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2001.