BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 2890
By: R. Lewis
4-10-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND
During the 73rd regular session, in 1993, the Texas Legislature
passed S.B. 1477 which established the eight-county Edwards Aquifer
Authority with powers to regulate aquifer pumping by issuing
groundwater pumping permits.  In November, 1993, the U.S. Justice
Department issued a formal objection to S.B. 1477, stating that it
violated the federal Voting Rights Act.  Consequently, no
provisions under this bill have been implemented to date. 

PURPOSE
Due to the delay caused by the U.S. Justice Department's formal
objection of S.B. 1477, several dates contained within the bill
have expired and are no longer applicable.  H.B.2890 represents an
attempt to bring these dates current.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency, or institution.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
Section 1. Amends Section 1.03(10), Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd
Legislature.  The date referred to in the definition of "existing
user" is changed to 1995.

Section 2. Amends Section 1.14(e), and (h), Chapter 626, Acts of
the 73rd Legislature.  The date referred to in (e) is changed to
1995.  The date referred to in (h) to accomplish the purpose of
this article is changed to 1996.

Section 3.  Amends Section 1.16(a) and (b), Chapter 626, Acts of
the 73rd Legislature.  The date referred to in (a) is changed to
1995.  The date referred to in (b) is changed to 1996.

Section 4.  Amends Section 1.17(a) and (d), Chapter 626, Acts of
the 73rd Legislature.  The date referred to in (a)(2) is changed to
1996.  The date referred to in (d)(2) is changed to 1996.

Section 5.  Amends Section 1.18(b), Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd
Legislature.  The date referred to in (b) concerning actual
beneficial use is changed to 1995.  The date concerning an initial
application date is changed to 1996.

Section 6.  Amends Section 1.25(a), Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd
Legislature.  The date is changed to 1997.

Section 7.  Amends Section 1.26, Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd
Legislature.  The date is changed to 1997.

Section 8.  Amends Section 1.30(d), Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd
Legislature.  The date is changed to 1995.

Section 9.  Amends Section 1.31(b), Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd
Legislature.  The date is changed to 1995.

Section 10. Amends Section 1.41(d), Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd
Legislature.  The date is changed to 1995.

Section 11. Amends Section 3.04, Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd
Legislature.  The date is changed to 1997.

Section 12. Effective date.

Section 13. Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION
H.B.2890 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on
April 10, 1995.
The following persons testified in favor of the bill: None (0).
The following persons testified against the bill:
     Ms. Carol Patterson, representing herself and constituents;
     Mr. Tim Jones, representing himself;
     Mr. Kirk Patterson, representing himself.
The following persons testified on the bill: None (0).
The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
6 ayes, 2 nays, 0 pnv, 1 absent.