79R2518 SGA-D

By:  Cook of Colorado                                             H.B. No. 2494



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the use of certain fees by groundwater conservation 
districts.  
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 36.207, Water Code, is amended to read as 
follows:       
	Sec. 36.207.  USE OF CERTAIN [PERMIT] FEES AUTHORIZED BY 
SPECIAL LAW.  A district may use funds obtained from permit fees, 
export fees, or user fees collected pursuant to the special law 
governing the district for any purpose consistent with the 
district's certified water management plan, including[, without 
limitation,] making grants, loans, or contractual payments to 
achieve, facilitate, or expedite:
		(1)  reductions in groundwater pumping; [or]   
		(2)  [the] development or distribution of alternative 
water supplies;
		(3)  mitigation projects; or                                           
		(4)  other projects intended to benefit residents of 
the district, including:
			(A)  economic development; or                                         
			(B)  educational programs related to water use.                       
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.