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.