SRC-MWN H.B. 2432 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2432
77R9816 QS-DBy: Cook (Armbrister)
Natural Resources
4/28/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Texas faces a difficult challenge to develop water policies that serve
state, regional, rural, and urban water interests. The Texas Constitution
authorizes the creation of groundwater conservation districts to plan,
develop, and regulate the use of water. Currently, the area of Bastrop and
Lee Counties is dependent on the waters of the Carrizo-Wilcox underground
aquifer for most of its water supply. Although there are other surface
water sources in and around these two counties, in this rural area the
residents are highly dependent on well water for survival. The entire
Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer is threatened by over production and potential
pollution that may devastate the health, lifestyles, and economic
well-being of every citizen in the region. As the population of these
counties and the entire area grows, the dependence on and demand for water
will continue to increase. H.B. 2432 ratifies the creation of the Lost
Pines Groundwater Conservation District, subject to voter approval at a
confirmation election, to manage the groundwater resources of Bastrop and
Lee counties.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Lost Pines Groundwater
Conservation District in SECTION 4 of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. RATIFICATION OF CREATION. Sets forth provisions regarding the
creation of the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District (district). 

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. Defines "district" and "public utility."

SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Provides that the boundaries of the district are
coextensive with the boundaries of Bastrop and Lee counties, Texas. 

SECTION 4. POWERS. Sets forth provisions regarding the powers of the
district. 

SECTION 5. GROUNDWATER WELLS UNDER JURISDICTION OF RAILROAD COMMISSION.
Sets forth provisions regarding groundwater wells under jurisdiction of the
railroad commission. 

SECTION 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Provides that the board is composed of
certain members. 

SECTION 7. INITIAL MEETING AND CONFIRMATION ELECTION. Requires the
temporary board of directors to set the date for and call the confirmation
election. 

SECTION 8. STATUTORY INTERPRETATION. Provides that if there is a conflict
between this Act and Chapter 36, Water Code, this Act prevails. 

SECTION 9. REGIONAL COOPERATION. Requires the district to perform certain
duties. 

 SECTION 10. FINDINGS RELATING TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Sets forth
findings that the procedural requirements concerning this Act have been
met.  

SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE; EXPIRATION DATE. (a) Effective date:  upon
passage or September 1, 2001. 

(b) Provides that if the district is not confirmed before September 1,
2005, this Act expires on that date.