SRC-AXB H.B. 3814 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3814
76R8676  BDH-FBy: Counts (Haywood)
Natural Resources
5/12/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, water from seeps and springs in Stonewall and King counties flow
into several tributaries, which, in turn flow into the Salt Fork of the
Brazos River.  These tributaries are major contributors to the salt content
of the river.  To improve water quality and control salt content, further
studies are needed; however, an entity is required to oversee the
implementation of feasibility studies in this area.  H.B. 3814 creates the
Salt Fork Water Quality District in Stonewall County as a conservation and
reclamation district. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3814 creates the Salt Fork Water Quality District in
Stonewall County as a conservation and reclamation district. 

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.  Creates the Salt Fork Water Quality District
(district) in  Stonewall County as a conservation and reclamation district.
Provides that the district is a governmental agency, a body politic, and
corporate.  Provides that the district is essential to accomplish certain
purposes of the Texas Constitution. 

SECTION 2.  DEFINITION.  Defines "district" as the Salt Fork Water Quality
District. 

SECTION 3.  BOUNDARIES.  Provides that the district boundaries are
coextensive with Stonewall County's boundaries. 

SECTION 4.  ANNEXATION OF AREA IN DISTRICT BY MUNICIPALITY.  Provides that
Chapter 43D, Local Government Code, does not apply to the district.
Provides that the district's existence does not affect certain boundary
issues or require assumption of assets or liabilities. 

SECTION 5. FINDING OF BENEFIT.  Sets forth areas which will benefit from
the district which is created to serve a public use and benefit. 

SECTION 6.  PURPOSE; POWERS; TAXES PROHIBITED.  Sets forth justifications
for the creation of the district.  Sets forth district powers which are
applicable to special utility districts, and prohibits the district from
levying or collecting taxes.  Sets forth specific district authorizations.
Subjects the district's powers to the continuing right of the supervision
of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (commission), except
that certain matters are not required to be inspected or approved by the
Texas Water Development Board or the commission.  Provides that this Act
prevails over conflicts with general law. 

SECTION 7.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  Provides that a board of five directors
govern the district. Requires initial directors to serve until permanent
directors are elected.  Provides that permanent directors serve two-year
terms.  Requires directors to qualify for service under Section 49.055,
Water Code.  Provides that a director serves until the successor has
qualified. 
 
SECTION 8.  INITIAL DIRECTORS.  Sets forth members of the initial board of
directors. 

SECTION 9.  ELECTION OF PERMANENT DIRECTORS.  Sets forth provisions for the
election of five permanent board members. 

SECTION 10.  FINDINGS RELATED TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS.  Provides that
required notice has been published and a copy of this Act has been provided
to certain entities. Provides that the commission has filed recommendations
with certain entities within the required deadline.  Provides that all
requirements relating to the passage of this Act are fulfilled and
accomplished. 

SECTION 11.Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.