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.