BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 2329

                                                                                                                                            By: Hegar

Natural Resources

4/5/2009

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Edwards Aquifer Legislative Oversight Committee (committee) was created in 1993 as part of S.B. 1477 which created the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA).  The committee was tasked to examine and report to the legislature on the effectiveness of the state and local governmental entities in meeting the purposes of EAA.  Additionally, the committee oversees and reviews the activities of EAA and the implementation of that authority's enabling legislation; the activities of the South Central Texas Water Advisory Committee; compliance with federal law relating to threatened or endangered species related to the management of underground or surface water in the  Edwards Aquifer region; water pollution control activities in the Edwards Aquifer region; and the activities of soil and water conservation districts and river authorities in the Edwards Aquifer district that affect the management of the aquifer. 

Both the House and Senate Natural Resource Committees have jurisdiction over the creation, modification, and regulation of water supply districts, conservation and reclamation districts, and all similar organs of local government dealing with water and water supply including EAA.  Any legislation dealing with EAA would be considered by these committees, so it is appropriate that these committees should have the benefit of hearing any testimony offered on the subject.

The original intent of the creation of the oversight committee was to provide extra oversight during the initial creation period of EAA and to react to any issues that developed.  More than a decade later, the committee has outlasted its usefulness.  The two standing legislative committees regularly review EAA, therefore eliminating the need for the special committee.

As proposed, S.B. 2329 abolishes the Edwards Aquifer Legislative Oversight Committee.

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.  Repealer: Act of May 30, 1993, 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, Chapter 626, Section 3.01 (Legislative Oversight).

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.