S.B. 1899 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 1899
By: Staples
Natural Resources
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Pineywoods Groundwater Conservation District (district) is
authorized to adopt rules requiring a permit to transport groundwater out
of the district. S.B. 1899 provides that a retail public utility is not
required to obtain a permit to transfer groundwater out of the district if
the water is used by the retail public utility to provide retail water
utility service in a service area located in a county adjacent to the
district.  

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

SECTION 1. Amends Section 5(b), Chapter 1330, Acts of the 77th
Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, to provide that a retail public
utility as defined by Section 13.002, Water Code, is not required to
obtain a permit to transfer groundwater out of the Pineywoods Groundwater
Conservation District (district) if certain conditions exist, including
the water is used by the retail public utility to provide retail water
utility service, as defined by Section 13.002, Water Code, in a service
area located in a county adjacent to the district.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage or September 1, 2003.