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.