SRC-ARR H.B. 2199 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2199 By: Chisum (Bivins) Natural Resources 5/5/1999 Engrossed DIGEST The Panhandle Ground Water Conservation District Number Three, South of the Canadian River in Texas (district), originally included Carson, Gray, and part of Potter counties. The district now includes six counties and parts of three other counties in the northeast panhandle. When created, the district primarily exercised jurisdiction over parts of the Ogallala Aquifer. However, as the district annexed other territory, its groundwater resources expanded to include parts of other water resources. The original enabling legislation for the legislation for the district does not expressly grant the district jurisdiction over these water resources. H.B. 2199 changes the name of the Panhandle Ground Water Conservation District Number Three, South of the Canadian River and expressly grants it the authority to regulate any underground water resources inside its boundaries. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2199 changes the name of the Panhandle Ground Water Conservation District Number Three, South of the Canadian River. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 1A, Article 8280-191, V.T.C.S., to provide that the name of the Ground Water Conservation District Number Three, South of the Canadian River, is changed to the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District (district). Provides that a reference in law to the Ground Water Conservation District Number Three, South of the Canadian River, or to the Panhandle Ground Water Conservation District Number Three, South of the Canadian River, in Texas, means the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 19, Article 8280-191, V.T.C.S., by adding Section 1C, as follows: Sec. 1C. Authorizes the district to regulate any underground water resources inside of the boundaries of the district, including any aquifer, perched water formation, or alluvium deposit, in the manner provided by Sections 2 and 3 of this Act and general law governing groundwater conservation districts, notwithstanding other provisions of this Act. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.