Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 1017	Senate Author:  Staples
Effective:  6-17-05	House Sponsor:  Otto

            Senate Bill 1017 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District in Liberty, Polk, and San Jacinto Counties, subject to dissolution if not confirmed by voters before September 1, 2007.  The bill prohibits the district from imposing taxes, but authorizes the district to assess fees on certain wells based on the amount of water withdrawn, not to exceed five cents per 1,000 gallons.  The bill prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.  It specifies certain exemptions and allows the district to purchase groundwater rights only if those rights are acquired for conservation purposes and are held in trust permanently.