BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 418 By: Armbrister Natural Resources 02-15-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND During the 73rd Legislature, S.B. 1477 repealed Article 8280-219, V.T.C.S. The U.S. Justice Department is currently blocking the implementation of S.B. 1477 because it abolished an elected board and replaced it with an appointed regional authority. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 418 authorizes the Edwards Aquifer Underground Water District to grant money to a person for water conservation equipment, technology, projects, and education. 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. (a) Repealer: Section 1.41, Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, 1993 (Repealer; Transfers; Rules). (b) Provides that Article 8280-219, V.T.C.S., is not repealed by operation of Section 1.41, Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, 1993, and remains in effect as if that section had not been passed and signed into law. SECTION 2. Amends Article 8280-219, V.T.C.S., by adding Section 3D, as follows: Sec. 3D. LOANS AND GRANTS. Authorizes the Edwards Underground Water District (district) under authority granted by Section 52-a, Article III, Texas Constitution, to grant money to a person for water conservation equipment or technology for water conservation on land used for cultivation or ranching in the region, water conservation or development projects to assist growth of agriculture or economic development in the region, or education in the region to promote innovation agricultural water conservation practices. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.