BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 1664
81R25681 SGA-F By: King, Phil et al. (Estes)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
H.B. 1664 relates to an exemption for groundwater used for certain purposes from production fees assessed by the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 8830, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Section 8830.153, as follows:
Sec. 8830.153. EXEMPTION FROM PRODUCTION FEES FOR GROUNDWATER USED FOR CERTAIN EMERGENCY PURPOSES. (a) Defines "involved entity" in this section.
(b) Provides that groundwater produced within the boundaries of the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (district) for use by a fire department or emergency services district solely for emergency purposes is exempt from the assessment of any production fees that would otherwise be required under a district rule, resolution, or order adopted under Section 8830.152 (District Revenues).
(c) Provides that emergency purposes, for purposes of this section, include the use of groundwater to fight fires, manage chemical spills, and otherwise address emergency public safety or welfare concerns; and for training exercises conducted in preparation for responding to fires, chemical spills, and other emergency public safety or welfare concerns.
(d) Authorizes the district to adopt rules to implement this section that require each involved entity to report certain data to the district using reasonable and appropriate reporting methods established by the district.
(e) Provides that the production fee exemption provided by Subsection (b) does not apply to groundwater produced for a purpose other than for emergency purposes.
SECTION 2. Makes application of Section 8830.153, Special District Local Laws Code, as added by this Act, prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.