SRC-SEW H.B. 3231 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3231 By: Morrison (Armbrister) Natural Resources 5/11/2001 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. 3231 creates the DeWitt County Groundwater Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election, to manage DeWitt 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. Creates the Pecan Valley Groundwater Conservation District (district), subject to approval at a confirmation election under Section 9 of this Act. Provides that the district is a governmental agency and a body politic and corporate and that the district is created under and is essential to accomplish the purposes of Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution. SECTION 2. DEFINITION. Defines "district." SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Provides that the boundaries of the district are coextensive with the boundaries of DeWitt County. SECTION 4. FINDING OF BENEFIT. Provides findings of benefit. SECTION 5. GENERAL POWERS. Sets forth guidelines regarding the rights, powers, privileges, authority, functions, and duties of this district. Provides that, notwithstanding this section, certain provisions prevail over a conflicting or inconsistent provision of this Act. SECTION 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth guidelines regarding the district'sboard of directors. SECTION 7. TEMPORARY DIRECTORS. Sets forth guidelines regarding the temporary board of directors. SECTION 8. METHOD OF ELECTING DIRECTORS. Sets forth guidelines regarding the method of electing directors. SECTION 9. CONFIRMATION ELECTION. Sets forth guidelines regarding the confirmation election. SECTION 10. SERVICE OF TEMPORARY DIRECTORS. Sets forth guidelines regarding the service of temporary directors. SECTION 11. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth guidelines regarding the election of directors. SECTION 12. LIMITATION ON TAXATION. Prohibits the board from imposing an ad valorem tax at a rate that exceeds five cents on each $100 valuation of taxable property in the district. SECTION 13. FINDINGS RELATING TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Presents findings relating to procedural requirements. SECTION 14. EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: September 1, 2001.