SRC-MWN H.B. 3651 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 3651
By: Morrison (Armbrister)
Natural Resources
5/9/2001
Committee Report (Amended)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Texas faces a difficult challenge in developing 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.3651 creates the Goliad County Groundwater
Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Goliad County Groundwater
Conservation District in SECTION 6 of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. CREATION. Sets forth provisions regarding the creation of the
Goliad County Groundwater Conservation District (district). 

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

SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Provides that the boundaries of the district are
coextensive with the boundaries of Goliad County, Texas. 

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 general
powers of the district. 

SECTION 6. REGIONAL COOPERATION. Requires the district to establish certain
rules regarding regional cooperation. 

SECTION 7. DIRECTOR REQUIREMENTS. Sets forth provisions regarding director
eligibility requirements. 

SECTION 8. TEMPORARY DIRECTORS. Provides that the temporary board of
directors is composed of certain persons. Sets forth provisions regarding
temporary directors. 

SECTION 9. CONFIRMATION ELECTION. Sets forth provisions regarding the
calling and holding of a confirmation election. 

SECTION 10. INITIAL DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding initial
directors of the district. 

SECTION 11. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the board
of directors of the district. 

SECTION 12. TERM OF OFFICE. Sets forth provisions regarding terms of office
for directors. 
 
SECTION 13. ELECTION OF REGULAR DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding
the election of regular directors of the district. 

SECTION 14. LIMITATION ON TAXATION. Prohibits the district from imposing an
ad valorem tax at a rate that exceeds five cents on each $100 valuation of
taxable property in the district. 

SECTION 15. CHANGE OF DISTRICT NAME. Authorizes the board of directors of
the district  to change the district's name if the district annexes
territory. 

SECTION 16. FINDINGS RELATED TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Sets forth
provisions regarding procedural requirements. 

SECTION 17. EFFECTIVE DATE; EXPIRATION DATE. (a) Effective date: September
1, 2001. 
 
(b) Provides that if the creation of the district is not confirmed at a
confirmation election before September 1, 2006, this Act expires on that
date. 


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Adds new proposed SECTION 5 (REGIONAL COOPERATION).

Renumbers SECTIONS 5-16 as SECTION 6-17.