SRC-TJG H.B. 2951 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2951
By: Hope (Staples)
Administration
5/23/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code allows a groundwater
conservation district to regulate the production of groundwater located
within its boundaries.  Many groundwater conservation districts in Texas
have multiple aquifers or subdivisions of aquifers that are situated
within the districts' boundaries which contain different and unique
hydrogeological features. Other districts may contain a singular aquifer
with widely differing characteristics from one side of the district to the
other, such as a situation where one side of the district is located in an
urban area with a high degree of groundwater production and experiencing
land subsidence, while other areas of the district are more rural and have
no significant groundwater usage and no land subsidence.  H.B. 2951
clarifies that groundwater conservation districts may adopt different well
spacing or production limitations for distinct aquifers or subdivisions of
aquifers within their boundaries, or for different geographic areas that
exist within their boundaries if conditions in or use of an aquifer differ
substantially from one geographic area of the district to another. 

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.  Amends Section 36.116, Water Code, by adding Subsection (d) to
authorize the district, for better management of the groundwater resources
located in a district or if a district determines that conditions in or
use of an aquifer differ substantially from one geographic area of a
district to another, to adopt different rules for each aquifer,
subdivision of an aquifer, or geological stratum located in whole or in
part within the boundaries of the district or each geographical area
overlying an aquifer or subdivision of an aquifer located in whole or in
part within the boundaries of the district. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.