HBA-CBW, MPM S.B. 1764 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1764
By: Zaffirini
Natural Resources
5/15/2001
Committee Report (Amended)



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. Senate Bill 1764 creates the McMullen
Groundwater Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation
election, to manage McMullen 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

Senate Bill 1764 creates the McMullen County Water Conservation District
(district), subject to voter approval at a confirmation election (SECTION
1). 

The bill provides that the district is governed by a board of five
directors and sets forth provisions regarding the composition and
administration of the board and the election, qualifications, and terms of
the directors (SECTIONS 5-8). 

The bill prohibits the district from imposing an ad valorem tax at a rate
in excess of five cents on the $100 valuation of taxable property in the
district (SECTION 9).  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committee Amendment No. 1 authorizes the board of directors of the McMullen
County Water Conservation District to change the district's name when the
district annexes territory.