SRC-MKV H.B. 3642 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3642 By: Counts (Haywood) Natural Resources 5/7/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Texas faces a difficult challenge to develop water policies that serve 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. 3642 creates the Lower Seymour Groundwater Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election, to manage Jones 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 relating to the creation of the Lower Seymour Groundwater Conservation District (district). SECTION 2. DEFINITION. Defines "district." SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Sets forth the boundaries of the district. SECTION 4. FINDING OF BENEFIT. Sets forth provisions relating to finding of benefit. SECTION 5. POWERS. Sets forth provisions relating to the rights, powers, privileges, authority, functions, and duties of the district. SECTION 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions relating to the board of directors of the district. SECTION 7. TEMPORARY DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions relating to the temporary board of directors of the district. SECTION 8. METHOD OF ELECTING DIRECTORS. Sets forth the method of electing directors of the district. SECTION 9. CONFIRMATION AND INITIAL DIRECTORS' ELECTION. Sets forth provisions relating to an election to confirm establishment of the district, to confirm the district's taxing authority, and to elect initial directors. SECTION 10. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions relating to an election to elect permanent directors of the district. SECTION 11. DISTRICT REVENUES. Sets forth provisions relating to the revenues of the district. SECTION 12. STATUTORY INTERPRETATION. Provides that, except as otherwise provided by this Act, if there is a conflict between this Act and Chapter 36 or 49, Water Code, this Act controls. Provides that if there is a conflict between Chapters 36 and 49, Water Code, Chapter 36 controls. SECTION 13. CHANGE OF DISTRICT NAME. Authorizes the board of directors to change the district's name when the district annexes territory. SECTION 14. FINDINGS RELATING TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Sets forth provisions relating to procedural requirements. SECTION 15. EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.