SRC-JJJ S.B. 1826 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1826 76R3216 SKT-DBy: Wentworth Natural Resources 4/15/1999 As Filed DIGEST Blanco County is primarily composed of ranching interests that rely on limited groundwater supply for domestic livestock use. Due to population growth in the area a strain has been put on the current water supply; therefore, future growth could render some wells unusable in times of drought. S.B. 1826 would establish the creation, administration, powers, duties, operation, and financing of the Blanco County Groundwater Conservation District. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1826 establishes the creation, administration, powers, duties, operation, and financing of the Blanco County Groundwater Conservation 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 Blanco County Groundwater Conservation District (district) in Blanco County, subject to approval at a confirmation election. Provides that the district is a governmental agency and a body politic and corporate. Establishes that the district is created under and is essential to accomplish the purposes of Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. Defines "district." SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Establishes the boundaries of the district are coextensive with the boundaries of Blanco County. SECTION 4. FINDING OF BENEFIT. Sets forth findings of benefit for all of the land and property within the district's boundaries. SECTION 5. POWERS. Sets forth rights, powers, privileges, authority, functions, and duties of the district. SECTION 6. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Requires the directors of the district to be elected according to the commissioners precinct method. Sets forth the process regarding the method by which directors are elected. SECTION 7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Provides that the district is governed by a board of five directors. Establishes qualifications and the process for filling a vacancy in the office of director. SECTION 8. TEMPORARY DIRECTORS. Sets forth the individuals composing the temporary board of directors. Establishes the method for appointing a temporary director, if a current temporary member has not qualified. SECTION 9. CONFIRMATION ELECTION. Requires the temporary board of directors to call and hold an election to confirm establishment of the district. Provides that Section 41.001(a), Election Code, does not apply to a confirmation election held as provided by this section. Sets forth conditions regarding an election for the creation of the district. SECTION 10. INITIAL DIRECTORS. Requires the temporary directors to become the initial directors of the district, if creation of the district is confirmed. Sets forth conditions regarding the temporary directors serving as initial directors. SECTION 11. SERVICE OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth conditions of length of service for temporary, initial, and permanent directors. SECTION 12. ELECTION OF PERMANENT DIRECTORS. Requires an election to be held in the district every two years to elect the appropriate number of directors to the board, beginning in the second year after the year the district is created. SECTION 13. TAX RATE. Prohibits the board of directors from levying and collecting a maintenance tax that exceeds the rate approved in an election. Authorizes the board to annually levy and collect a maintenance and operating tax at a rate not to exceed 10 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation. SECTION 14. FINDINGS RELATING TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Sets forth findings related to procedural requirements. SECTION 15. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.