SRC-DBM H.B. 2926 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2926 76R7503 BDH-FBy: Walker (Bivins) Natural Resources 5/5/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the law authorizes two or more groundwater conservation districts to consolidate into one district. The law conditions consolidation on the agreement of all groundwater conservation districts concerned and requires a confirmation election to be held in each district in which the consolidation results in additional taxing or bonding authority. However, the district that does not initiate the consolidation, generally does not experience a change in its taxing or bonding authority. H.B. 2926 would regulate elections to approve consolidation of groundwater conservation districts. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2926 regulates elections to approve consolidation of groundwater conservation districts. 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 36.351(a), Water Code, to require a board of a groundwater conservation district (district), to initiate a consolidation, to adopt a resolution proposing a consolidation, and to deliver a copy of the resolution to the board of each district with which consolidation is proposed. SECTION 2. Amends Sections 36.354(a), (b), and (d), Water Code, to require an election to ratify a consolidation in each district that initiates consolidation. Provides that an election is not required in a district that does not initiate consolidation. Requires the board of each district that is required by Subsection (a) to conduct an election, to order an election in the district only after the board of each district to be consolidated has agreed on the terms and conditions of consolidation. Requires the directors of each district conducting an election to order the election to be held on the same day in each district. Authorizes a district to be consolidated only if a majority of the electors in each district required by Subsection (a) to conduct an election vote in favor of the consolidation. Deletes text requiring an election to ratify a consolidation under certain conditions. SECTION 3.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.