JBM S.B. 23 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS NATURAL RESOURCES S.B. 23 By: Brown (Jackson) 5-12-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND In the 74th Legislature, the Clear Creek Watershed Regional Flood Control District was created. Certain boundaries currently exist using information from census tracts. This bill establishes a more precise definition of boundaries by setting forth metes and bounds, providing more time before a confirmation election is called, and clarifying the requirement that voters must first approve the district's ability to levy and collect an ad valorem tax for maintenance. PURPOSE To establish a more precise definition of boundaries of the Clear Creek Watershed Regional Flood Control District by setting forth metes and bounds, providing more time before a confirmation election is called, and clarifying the requirement that voters must first approve the district's ability to levy and collect an ad valorem tax for maintenance. 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 3, Chapter 699, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995, as follows: SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES OF DISTRICT. Sets forth the boundaries of the Clear Creek Watershed Regional Flood Control District (district). Deletes tract provisions setting forth the boundaries of the district. SECTION 2. Amends Section 5(a), Chapter 699, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995, to require the initial board of directors of the district to call a confirmation election to be held not later than three, rather than two, years after the effective date of this Act within the boundaries of the proposed district. SECTION 3. Amends Sections 37(a) and (b), Chapter 699, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995, to require an ad valorem tax under Subsection (b) to be authorized by a majority vote of the voters qualified to vote and voting in the district at an election called and held for that purpose. Authorizes a district to perform certain functions concerning an annual ad valorem tax, if the ad valorem maintenance tax is approved by the voters. Deletes existing Subsection (b) requiring an ad valorem maintenance tax under Subsection (a) to be authorized by a majority vote of the voters qualified to vote and voting in the district at an election called and held for that purpose. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.