SRC-MWN C.S.H.B. 3665 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 3665
77R15792 QS-FBy: Miller (Sibley)
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.3665 creates the Middle Trinity
Groundwater Conservation District, subject to voter approval at a
confirmation election, in Callahan, Erath, Somervell, Bosque, Comanche,
Eastland, and Coryell counties.  

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 regarding the creation of the
Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (district). 

SECTION 2. DEFINITION. Redefines "district."

SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Provides that the boundaries of the district are
coextensive with the boundaries of certain counties. 

SECTION 4. FINDINGS OF BENEFIT. Sets forth provisions regarding the finding
of benefit for the district. 

SECTION 5. GENERAL POWERS. Sets forth provisions regarding general powers
of the district. 

SECTION 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the board of
directors of the district. 

SECTION 7. APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the
appointment of directors. 

SECTION 8. INITIAL DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding initial
directors of the district. 

SECTION 9. TERMS OF OFFICE OF INITIAL DIRECTORS. Sets forth terms of
initial directors. 

SECTION 10. CONFIRMATION ELECTION. Sets forth provisions regarding the
calling and holding of a confirmation election. 

SECTION 11. DISTRICT REVENUES. Sets forth provisions regarding the
utilization of district revenues.  

SECTION 12. FINDINGS RELATED TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Sets forth
provisions regarding procedural requirements. 

SECTION 13. EFFECTIVE DATE; EXPIRATION DATE. (a) Effective date: September
1, 2001. 

(b) Provides that if the district is not confirmed at a confirmation
election before September 1, 2003, this Act expires on that date. 


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1. Amends the name of the proposed district to be the Middle
Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. 

SECTION 2. Amends the definition of the district to reflect the name change.

SECTION 5. Amends Subsections (a) and (b), and adds new Subsection (c).

SECTION 6. Amends Subsections (a) and (b), and adds new Subsection (f).

Adds new SECTION 7 (APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS).

Adds new SECTION 8 (INITIAL DIRECTORS).

Adds new SECTION 9 (TERMS OF OFFICE OF INITIAL DIRECTORS).

Adds new SECTION 10 (CONFIRMATION ELECTION).

Renumbers As Filed SECTIONS 12 through 14 as SECTIONS 11 through 13.

SECTION 11. Amends proposed language regarding district revenues.