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During the 73rd Legislature, S.B. 1477 repealed Article 8280-219,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     (b) Provides that Article 8280-219, V.T.C.S., is not repealed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.