BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 1498
80R20009 TAD-D By: Hopson (Eltife)
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, Northeast Texas, and specifically Panola County, does not have any groundwater conservation districts. Texas currently faces a difficult challenge to develop water policies that serve both state and regional interests. The Texas Constitution authorizes the creation of groundwater conservation districts to manage and conserve groundwater.
C.S.H.B. 1498 creates the Panola County Groundwater Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation election, to manage, monitor, and conserve Panola County's groundwater resources.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subtitle H, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 8819, as follows:
CHAPTER 8819. PANOLA COUNTY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Sets forth the standard language for the creation of the Panola County Groundwater Conservation District (district). Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:
Creation and approval of the district (Sections 8819.001 - 8819.020);
Size, composition, election, and terms of the board of directors of the district (Sections 8819.021 - 8819.100);
Powers and duties of the district (Section 8819.101 - 8819.150); and
General financial provisions and authority to impose taxes and fees and issue bonds and notes for the district (Sections 8819.151 - 8819.153).
Prohibits the use of eminent domain by the district.
SECTION 2. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and laws of this state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and accomplished.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.