H.B. 1535 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 1535 By: Cook, Robby Natural Resources Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pursuant to Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code, export fees may only be used for the operation of a groundwater conservation district. These operation costs generally only include enforcement of the provisions of Chapter 36 or enforcement of the district's rules. As a result, districts may be in a position to collect large amounts in export fees but be limited in their ability to use the money collected. H. B. 1535 expands the purposes for which the fees can be used. 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. 1535 amends 36.207, Texas Water Code, to add mitigation projects and other projects intended to benefit residents of the district including economic development and educational programs related to water use. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect on September 1, 2003.