HBA-JLV H.B. 3665 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3665 By: Miller Natural Resources 67/18/2001 Enrolled BACKGROUND 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. House Bill 3665 creates the Cross Timbers Groundwater Conservation District, subject to voter approval at a confirmation election, in Callahan, Erath, Somervell, Bosque, Comanche, Eastland, Coryell, and Hamilton Counties. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 3665 creates the Cross Timbers Groundwater Conservation District, subject to voter approval at a confirmation election, in Callahan, Erath, Somervell, Bosque, Comanche, Eastland, Coryell, and Hamilton Counties. The bill provides that the district is governed by a board of not fewer than five or more than 16 directors (board) and sets forth provisions regarding the compensation, election, appointment, qualifications, residency, and terms of the directors. The bill lists the names of the temporary board of directors. The bill sets forth provisions regarding an election to confirm the establishment of the district. The bill authorizes the board to impose taxes annually to pay the maintenance and operating expenses of the district at a rate not to exceed five cents on each $100 of assessed valuation. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.