SRC-JRN S.B. 1947 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1947 By: Zaffirini Natural Resources 5-10-97 Committee Report (Amended) DIGEST Currently, the Wintergarden Region of Texas is dependent on the waters of the Carrizo-Wilcox and associated underground aquifers for most of its water supply. City and county governmental governmental entities in Dimmit, La Salle, and Zavala counties have submitted resolutions expressing support for the creation of a groundwater conservation district to protect critical water resources from certain problems. This bill creates the Wintergarden Groundwater Conservation District to facilitate water conservation and management in Dimmit, La Salle, and Zavala counties. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1947 creates the Wintergarden Groundwater Conservation District to facilitate water conservation and management in Dimmit, La Salle, and Zavala counties. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. CREATION. Sets forth provisions regarding the creation of a groundwater conservation district, to be known as the Wintergarden Groundwater Conservation District (district). SECTION 2. DEFINITION. Defines "district." SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Sets forth the boundaries of the district. SECTION 4. FINDING OF BENEFIT. Sets forth provisions regarding the benefits of the district. SECTION 5. POWERS. Sets forth provisions regarding certain powers of the district. SECTION 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the board of directors of the district. SECTION 7. TEMPORARY DIRECTORS. Sets forth the members and provisions regarding the establishment of the temporary board of directors. SECTION 8. CONFIRMATION AND INITIAL DIRECTORS' ELECTION. Sets forth provisions regarding the confirmation and initial directors' election. SECTION 9. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the election of directors. SECTION 10. FINDINGS RELATED TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Sets forth provisions setting forth findings related to procedural requirements. SECTION 11. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 5. Adds a new Subsection (c), to provide that Sections 36.107-36.108, 36.159-36.161, and Subchapter I, Water Code, prevail over a conflicting or inconsistent provision in this Act, notwithstanding Subsection (a) of this section.