S.B. 25 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 25
By: Lucio
Natural Resources
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas faces a difficult challenge to develop water policies
that serve state and regional 
interests.  S.B. 25 creates the Kenedy Groundwater Conservation District,
subject 
to approval at a confirmation election, to manage groundwater resources in
Kennedy County. 

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

S.B. 25 creates the Kenedy County Groundwater Conservation District
(district) in Kenedy County, subject to approval at a confirmation
election (SECTION 2). 

The legislation defines the district, makes findings, and provides that
the district shall have all the powers in Chapter 36, Water Code and is
created under Article XVI, Texas Constitution.  It further clarifies that
certain sections of the Water Code prevail over conflicting or
inconsistent provisions (SECTIONS 3, 5 and 11). 

S.B. 25 sets the boundaries of the district as coextensive with the
boundaries of Kenedy County (SECTION 4). 

The legislation provides that the district is governed by a board of five
directors (board) and describes their qualifications and terms of the
directors (SECTION 6). 

S.B. 25 sets out the method of electing directors and provides for the
appointment of temporary directors (SECTIONS 7 and 8). 

S.B. 25 provides for confirmation and initial directors' election.  The
bill also sets out provisions for conducting elections for directors
(SECTIONS 9 and 10). 

The legislation also makes findings relating to procedural requirements
and states that if the creation of the district is not confirmed at a
confirmation election before September 1, 2005, the Act expires on that
date (SECTIONS 12 and 13). 


EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003