SRC-MWN C.S.H.B. 3675 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 3675
By: Bonnen (Brown, J. E. "Buster")
Natural Resources
5/9/2001
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. 3675 creates the Brazoria County
Groundwater Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation
election, to manage Brazoria County's groundwater resources.  

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
Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District (district). 

SECTION 2. DEFINITION. Defines "district."

SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Provides that the boundaries of the district are
coextensive with the boundaries of Brazoria 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. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the board of
directors. 

SECTION 7. TEMPORARY DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the
temporary directors. 

SECTION 8. METHOD OF ELECTING DIRECTORS: COMMISSIONERS PRECINCTS. Sets
forth provisions regarding the election of directors. 

SECTION 9. CONFIRMATION AND INITIAL DIRECTORS' ELECTION. Sets forth
provisions regarding confirmation and initial directors' election. 

SECTION 10. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth provisions regarding the
election of directors. 

SECTION 11. DISTRICT FINANCES. Sets forth provisions regarding the finances
of the district. 

SECTION 12. LIMITATION OF POWERS. Prohibits the district from performing
certain acts. 

 SECTION 13. FINDINGS RELATED TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS.  Provides that
all findings related to the proposed district have been furnished to
certain persons and entities. 

SECTION 14. EFFECTIVE DATE; EXPIRATION DATE. (a) Effective date: September
1, 2001. 

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

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 5. Adds new Subsection (c). Makes a conforming change.

SECTION 8. Adds new Subsection (e).

Adds new SECTION 11 (DISTRICT FINANCES).

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

SECTION 12. Deletes certain provisions regarding district powers.