SRC-MWN C.S.H.B. 3655 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 3655
77R16023 EBy: Kolkhorst (Ogden)
Natural Resources
5/10/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Texas faces a difficult challenge to develop 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. C.S.H.B. 3655 creates the Bluebonnet Groundwater
Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election, to
manage groundwater resources in Grimes, Washington, Waller, Austin, and
Walker counties.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the board of directors of the
Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District in SECTION 6 of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

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

SECTION 2. DEFINITION. Defines "district."

SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Sets forth guidelines regarding the boundaries of
the district. 

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. FEES. Sets forth provisions regarding the district by rule
imposing certain fees. 

SECTION 7. EXEMPTIONS. Sets forth provisions regarding permit exemptions.

SECTION 8. MITIGATION ASSISTANCE. Sets forth provisions regarding
mitigation assistance. 

SECTION 9. MANAGEMENT PLAN. Requires the district to develop a management
plan. 

SECTION 10. PERMITTING. Sets forth provisions regarding permitting by the
district. 

SECTION 11. COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES WITH OTHER ENTITIES. Sets forth
provisions regarding the district's coordination with other entities. 

SECTION 12. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the board
of directors of the district. 

SECTION 13. APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the
appointment of directors of the district. 
 
SECTION 14. ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING. Requires the directors of the district
to convene for an organizational meeting. 

SECTION 15. CONFIRMATION ELECTION. Sets forth provisions regarding the
calling and holding of a confirmation election. 

SECTION 16. FINDINGS RELATED TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Provides that the
required notice and intention of the district has been published and
furnished to certain persons and entities. 

SECTION 17. EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 2001.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1. Amends previously proposed Subsection (a) and adds new
Subsection (c). 

SECTION 6. Amends previously proposed Subsections (a)-(d).

Adds new SECTIONS 7 (EXEMPTIONS), 8 (MITIGATION ASSISTANCE), 9 (MANAGEMENT
PLAN), 10 (PERMITTING), and 11 (COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES WITH OTHER
ENTITIES). 

Renumbers previously proposed SECTIONS 7-12 as SECTIONS 12-17, and amends
as follows:  

SECTION 12. Amends previously proposed Subsections (a) and (b).

SECTION 13. Amends previously proposed Subsection (a) and adds new
Subsection (d). 

SECTION 16. Amends previously proposed Subsection (b).