SRC-PNG S.B. 1755 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1755
76R9283 MI-FBy: Armbrister
Natural Resources
4/1/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, under Texas law, the Edwards Aquifer Authority consists of
single-member district lines based on census blocks.  The existing district
lines divide county voting precincts in seven of the Authority's eight
counties, resulting in voter and election officials' confusion.  This bill
would modify district lines for the election of directors for the Edwards
Aquifer Authority to prevent the splitting of county voting precincts. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1755 modifies district lines for the election of
directors for the Edwards Aquifer Authority. 

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 Article 8280-219, V.T.C.S., by adding Section 1.094, as
follows: 

Sec.  1.094.  MODIFICATION OF DISTRICT LINES AFTER DECENNIAL CENSUS.
Authorizes the Edwards Aquifer Authority board of directors (board) to
modify the district lines described in Section 1.093, after each federal
decennial census.  Authorizes the board to modify the district lines
described in Section 1.093, by order, to provide that the lines do not
divide a county election precinct except as necessary to follow the Edwards
Aquifer Authority's (authority) jurisdictional boundaries.  Prohibits
modifications under this section from violating the Federal Voting Rights
Act.  Prohibits a county election precinct established by a county in
accordance with Chapter 42, Election Code, from containing territory from
more than one authority district.   

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
Effective date: upon passage.