BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4762

By: King, Tracy O.

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill relates to the boundaries of the Edwards Aquifer Authority in Atascosa County. Three groundwater withdrawal permits were issued by the authority and later determined to be outside of the boundaries of the authority. However, the permit holders want their land to be included in the boundaries of the authority and want to hold permits issued by the authority.

H.B. 4762 adds certain parcels of lands to the territory of the Edwards Aquifer Authority and validates certain groundwater withdrawal permits.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 4762 amends Section 1.04, Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993, to add certain parcels of land to the territory of the Edwards Aquifer Authority. The bill provides that all government acts and proceedings of the authority relating to certain initial regular groundwater withdrawal permits are validated in all respects, except for any matter that on the effective date of the bill is involved in litigation if the litigation ultimately results in the matter being held invalid by a final court judgment or that has been held invalid by a final court judgment.  The bill sets forth provisions relating to certain permits issued as of January 1, 2005.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.