BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 846 By: Counts February 28, 1995 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Garza County is primarily composed of farming and ranching communities. The citizens of the county feel that the creation of an underground water conservation district will aid in the regulation of water use and water quality. PURPOSE The purpose of this legislation is to create the Garza County Underground and Fresh Water Conservation District. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, agency or department. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Creates the Garza County Underground and Fresh Water Conservation District under Section 59, Article XVI, of the Texas Constitution. SECTION 2. Defines "district" as the Garza County Underground and Fresh Water Conservation District. SECTION 3. Defines the boundaries of the district as being coextensive with the boundaries of Garza County. SECTION 4. Legislative findings of benefit. SECTION 5. Provides for the district to have all powers provided by state law, including Chapters 50,51, and 52, Water Code; provides for this Act to prevail over conflicts with general law; provides for continuing supervision by this state. SECTION 6. The directors of the district shall be elected according to the commissioners precinct method as provided by this Act. One director shall be elected by the electors of the entire district, and one director shall be elected from each county commissioners precinct by the electors of that precinct. At the first election after the county commissioners precincts are redrawn under Section 18, Article V, Texas Constitution, four new directors shall be elected to represent the precincts. The directors elected shall draw lots to determine their terms. SECTION 7. Provides for a board of five directors, appointment of temporary directors, and qualifications for directors. SECTION 8. Provides for the terms of service and qualifications for temporary, initial, and permanent directors. SECTION 9. Names the temporary directors; provides for filling a vacancy. SECTION 10. Provides for the confirmation of the initial directors' elections. SECTION 11. Provides for the election of permanent directors. SECTION 12. Legislative findings that procedural requirements have been met. SECTION 13. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION HB846 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on Monday, February 20, 1995. The bill was reported favorably without amendment with a recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 7 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 PNV, and 2 Absent.