BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 635 By: Lewis (Galloway) Intergovernmental Relations 05-10-95 Senate Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND The Jefferson County Water Control and Improvement District No. 10 (district) requested annexation by the City of Nederland (city) in 1949, 1955, and 1964. Each time the city denied the request. In 1958, the district developed its own water and wastewater service system. In 1984, the City of Nederland cited its intention to discontinue fire protection to the district. The district's water and wastewater operations within the district have consistently met federal and state regulations, while those within Nederland presently do not. Annexation of the district is estimated to bring a revenue of approximately $50,000 per year to the City of Nederland but no projected return for the district in providing the increased tax base to the city. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 635 prohibits territory contained within the Jefferson County Water Control and Improvement District No. 10 from being annexed by a municipality unless approved by a majority of voters voting in an election. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 245, Acts of the 54th Legislature, Regular Session, 1955, by adding Section 3A, as follows: Sec. 3A. TERRITORY NOT SUBJECT TO ANNEXATION. Prohibits territory contained within the Jefferson County Water Control and Improvement District No. 10 (district) from being annexed, either in whole or part, by a municipality unless the annexation is approved by a majority of the voters voting in a single election called and held jointly in the municipality and the district for that purpose. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.