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.