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.