SRC-VRA H.B. 3601 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3601
By: Hopson (Ogden)
Natural Resources
5/26/2003
Engrossed


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. H.B 3601 creates the Houston County Groundwater
Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election, to
manage Houston 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.  DEFINITIONS.

SECTION 2.  CREATION.

SECTION 3.  FINDINGS OF BENEFIT AND PUBLIC PURPOSE.

SECTION 4.  BOUNDARIES.

SECTION 5.  APPLICABILITY.

SECTION 6.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

SECTION 7.  APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY DIRECTORS.

SECTION 8.  ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING.

SECTION 9.  METHOD OF ELECTING DIRECTORS:  COMMISSIONERS PRECINCTS.

SECTION 10.  CONFIRMATION AND INITIAL DIRECTORS' ELECTION.

SECTION 11.  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.

SECTION 12.  GENERAL POWERS.

SECTION 13.  LIMITATION ON TAXATION.

SECTION 14.  FEES.

SECTION 15.  GROUNDWATER WELLS UNDER RAILROAD COMMISSION JURISDICTION.
 
SECTION 16.  EXEMPTION FROM FEES.

SECTION 17.  LIMITATION ON INDEBTEDNESS.

SECTION 18.  PROHIBITION ON DISTRICT PURCHASE, SALE, TRANSPORT, OR
DISTRIBUTION OF WATER. 

SECTION 19.  PROHIBITION ON DISTRICT USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN POWERS.

SECTION 20.  REGIONAL COOPERATION.

SECTION 21.  FINDINGS RELATED TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS.

SECTION 22.  EFFECTIVE DATE; EXPIRATION DATE.  (a)  Effective date:
September 1, 2003. 

(b)  Provides that if th creation of the district is not confirmed at a
confirmation election held under Section 10 of this Act before September
1, 2005, this Act expires on that date.