H.B. 535 78 )    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 535
By: Cook, Robby
Natural Resources
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Colorado Valley Groundwater District was created by the 77th Texas
Legislature in 2001 and confirmed by the voters of Fayette County.  The
enabling legislation called for the election of directors on the first
Saturday in May of even-numbered years.  However, there are no other
countywide elections in Fayette County on the first Saturday in May and
holding the election of directors in November on the same day the Fayette
County general elections are held would greatly reduce the cost of an
election to the district and taxpayers.  The enabling legislation also
allowed the district to change their name to more clearly describe the
area served and the boundaries of the district, which they did by
resolution in August 2002.  This legislation would codify that change in
statute.        

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

H.B. 535 changes the name of the groundwater conservation district from
the Colorado Valley Groundwater Conservation District to the Fayette
County Groundwater Conservation District. The bill also changes the
election dates from November to May of even-numbered years and makes the
directors serve staggered four-year terms.  Further, the bill allows
directors to serve from May to November of the year of their election.
Finally,  H.B. 535 provides for current directors to continue in office
until successor directors are elected as provided by this legislation.     


EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003