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.