LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 11, 2003

TO:	Honorable Robert Puente, Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1535 by Cook, Robby (Relating to the use of certain fees by groundwater conservation districts.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Water Code by allowing the use of export fees or user fees collected by the district for purposes consistent with the district's certified water management plan. The list of items for which the district may use the fees to make grants, loans, or contractual payment to achieve, facilitate, or expedite would include mitigation projects, economic development, or educational programs related to water use. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2003.

Local Government Impact

Under current statute, the only fees a district may use for purposes related to a district's certified water management plan are permit fees, and projects for which grants, loans, or payments can be made are limited to reductions in groundwater pumping and development or distribution of alternative water supplies.

No significant fiscal impact is anticipated to units of local government because the provisions of the bill would allow the district flexibility in the use of fees that are already collected.

Source Agencies:
LBB Staff:	JK, CL, JB, DLBa