SRC-MWN H.B. 2362 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2362
By: Hope (Bernsen)
Natural Resources
5/6/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Texas faces a difficult challenge in developing 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. 2362 creates the Lone Star Groundwater
Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election, to
manage Montgomery County's groundwater resources.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the board of directors of the
Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District in SECTION 7 of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. CREATION. Sets forth provisions regarding the creation of the
Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District. 

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. Defines "board" and "district."

SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Provides that the boundaries of the district are
coextensive with boundaries of Montgomery County. 

SECTION 4. FINDING OF BENEFIT. Sets forth provisions regarding the finding
of benefit of the district. 

SECTION 5. GENERAL POWERS. Sets forth provisions regarding the district
general powers. 

SECTION 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Provides that the district is composed of
certain persons. 

SECTION 7. APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the
appointment of directors. 

SECTION 8. APPOINTMENT OF INITIAL DIRECTORS. Sets forth guidelines
regarding the appointment of initial directors. 

SECTION 9. TERMS OF OFFICE FOR INITIAL DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions
regarding the terms of office for initial directors. 

SECTION 10. CONFIRMATION ELECTION. Sets forth provisions regarding the
holding and calling of a confirmation election pertaining to the district. 

SECTION 11. DISTRICT REVENUES. Authorizes the district to assess certain
fees. 

SECTION 12. CONTRACTS. Authorizes the district to enter into certain
contracts. 
 
SECTION 13. COORDINATION WITH OTHER DISTRICTS. Requires the district to
coordinate with all adjacent groundwater conservation districts. 

SECTION 14. FINDINGS RELATED TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Provides that
legal notice for the creation of the district has been furnished to certain
entities and persons. 

SECTION 15. EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 2001.