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.