H.B. 3602 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 3602 By: Bonnen Natural Resources Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND 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. 3602 creates the Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election, to manage Brazoria County's groundwater resources. 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. 3602 creates the Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District subject to voter approval at a confirmation election. The bill provides that the district is governed by a board of five directors and sets forth provisions regarding the election, qualifications, and terms of the directors. The district is prohibited from imposing a property tax; exercising the power of eminent domain; acquiring land; issuing or selling bonds; or purchasing, selling, transporting, or distributing surface water or groundwater. This Act is effective September 1, 2003 and expires on December 31, 2006 if the creation of the district is not confirmed at an election before that date. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003