BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

H.B. 3137

83R17889 SLB-D

By: Lucio III (Lucio)

 

Natural Resources

 

5/9/2013

 

Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The Rio Grande Regional Water Authority exists to help plan for and develop sustainable sources of water for the Rio Grande basin in Texas.  Recently, the Texas Legislature authorized the authority to levy assessments on water rights within its jurisdiction to find support programs.  Interested parties assert that, as this assessment is the only source of revenue for the authority, it is necessary to cap the assessment to prevent inflating assessment rates.

 

H.B. 3137 amends current law relating to limiting the amount of a fee or assessment imposed by the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority.

 

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 Sections 4.04(b) and (d), Chapter 385, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, as follows:

 

(b) Requires the board of directors of the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority, each fiscal year, to determine the amount of the fee or assessment based on the water rights held by the affected entity.  Prohibits the fee or assessment from exceeding five cents per acre-foot.

 

(d) Prohibits an initial fee or assessment imposed under this section from exceeding five cents per acre-foot for each water right held by the affected entity.

 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.