BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

H.B. 3945

By: King, Phil

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

The Wise County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 was created in 1926 by a vote of the property tax-paying citizens of Wise County, Texas. Throughout its 87-year history, the Wise County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 has shown to be a good steward of the natural resources in Wise County and has exhibited fiscal responsibility during that time.

 

The purpose of the water district is to actively support flood control and natural resources within the boundaries of the district. The water district is committed to providing funding and support for the Salt Creek and Big Sandy Creek Watershed projects, nine floodwater retarding dams in Wise County, and technical assistance to agriculture producers to plan and implement conservation treatment measures in the Eagle Mountain Lake Watershed.

 

H.B. 3945 allows the Wise County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 to annex the remaining territory of Wise County that is not currently included in the district. This bill authorizes the district's board of directors to call an election in Wise County to authorize the district's annexation of all parts of Wise County not within the district's boundaries.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS.  In this Act:

 

(1)  Defines "Board" to mean the district's board of directors.

 

(2)  Defines "District" to mean the Wise County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1.

 

SECTION 2.  ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY IN WISE COUNTY.  (a) Authorizes the board to call an election in Wise County to authorize the district's annexation of all parts of Wise County not within the district's boundaries on the effective date of this Act.

 

(b)  Authorizes the board to order the annexation and an election to approve the annexation based on a resolution of the board with or without a petition requesting the annexation.

 

(c)  Requires the annexation of territory and an election under this section, except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, to conform to the requirements of Section 49.302, Water Code, including any hearing and notice requirements.

 

(d)  Requires the ballot for an election under this section to be printed to provide for voting for or against:

 

(1)  the annexation of the territory; and

 

(2)  the assumption by the territory proposed to be annexed of its proportionate share of any outstanding debt of the district.

 

SECTION 3.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  Provides for the effective date of this Act.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house; otherwise, this Act takes effect September 1, 2013.