SRC-MWN H.B. 787 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 787
By: Gallego (Madla)
Natural Resources
5/10/2001
Committee Report (Amended)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Texas faces a difficult challenge to develop water policies that serve both
state and regional interests. The Texas Constitution authorizes the
creation of groundwater conservation districts to plan, develop, and
regulate the use of water. H.B. 787 creates the Brewster County Groundwater
Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election, to
manage Brewster County's groundwater resources.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. CREATION. Sets forth provisions for the creation of the Brewster
County Groundwater Conservation District (district). 

SECTION 2. DEFINITION. Defines "district."

SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Sets forth provisions regarding the boundaries of
the district. 

SECTION 4. FINDING OF BENEFIT. Provides that the creation is created to
serve a public use and benefit. 

SECTION 5. POWERS. Sets forth provisions regarding the powers of the
district. 

SECTION 6. EMINENT DOMAIN; ENTERING PRIVATE PROPERTY. Provides that the
district is prohibited from exercising eminent domain or entering private
property, with exceptions. 

SECTION 7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Provides that the district is composed of
certain persons. 

SECTION 8. APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF INITIAL DIRECTORS. Sets forth
provisions regarding the appointment and terms of initial directors. 

SECTION 9. CONFIRMATION ELECTION. Requires the initial board of directors
to call and hold an election to confirm establishment of the district. 

SECTION 10. CHANGE OF DISTRICT NAME. Authorizes the board of directors by
resolution to change the name of the district. 

SECTION 11. FINDINGS RELATED TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Sets forth
provisions regarding the findings of the district and notification to
certain persons and entities. 

SECTION 12. EFFECTIVE DATE. Upon passage or September 1, 2001.