SRC-TJG, VRA S.B. 1925 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1925 78R12904 SGA-FBy: Estes Natural Resources 4/29/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The Rolling Plains Groundwater District (district) was created originally in 1993 and charged by the Texas Legislature with managing and conserving the groundwater resources located within Haskell, Knox, and Baylor counties. Several changes have been made to Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code that have affected the powers of the district. As proposed, S.B. 1925 provides for adjustments to be made to the powers, financing, and fees of office for the directors of the district. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the board of directors of the Rolling Plains Groundwater District in SECTION 2 of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 5, Chapter 1028, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993, by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c), as follows: (b) Provides that notwithstanding Subsection (a) of this section, Section 36.121, Water Code, does not apply to the district Deletes current text relating to certain rights and powers exercised through the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. (c) Provides that notwithstanding Subsection (a) of this section, Section 36.205(e), Water Code, does not apply to the district. Authorizes the district to assess fees under Section 36.205(c) or 36.122(e), Water Code, in an annual amount not to exceed certain specific statutory caps. SECTION 2. Amends Section 6, Chapter 1028, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993, is amended by adding Subsection (d) to provide that a director is not entitled to receive fees of office under Section 36.060, Water Code, if the director holds another office that is a civil office of emolument for purposes of Section 40, Article XVI, Texas Constitution. Authorizes a director, except as provided by this subsection, to receive reimbursement of actual expenses as provided by Section 36.060(b), Water Code. Authorizes the board of directors of the district by rule, bylaw, or resolution to limit the amount of fees of office or the amount of reimbursement for actual expenses a director is entitled to receive. Provides that this subsection prevails over any provision of general or special law that is in conflict or inconsistent with this subsection, including Section 36.060(d), Water Code. SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.