JBM S.B. 15 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS NATURAL RESOURCES S.B. 15 By: Zaffirini (Hawley) 5-13-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Currently, Live Oak Underground Water Conservation District is authorized to levy taxes at a rate not to exceed 50 cents per $100 valuation. This bill will lower the district's tax rate cap to 5 cents per $100 valuation. PURPOSE To provide regulations regarding the maximum tax rate that may be levied by the Live Oak Underground Water Conservation District to pay maintenance and operating expenses. 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 9, Chapter 715, Acts of the 71st Legislature, Regular Session, 1989, to provide that, except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, the tax and bond provisions of Subchapters F and G, Chapter 36, Subchapter F, Chapter 49, and Subchapters K, L, M, N, and P, Chapter 51, Water Code, apply to the Live Oak Underground Water Conservation District (district). Deletes Chapter 52, Water Code, from the list of chapters which apply to the district. Authorizes the district, notwithstanding Section 36.201(b), Water Code, to annually levy taxes to pay the maintenance and operating expenses of the district at a rate not to exceed five cents on each $100 of assessed valuation. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.