AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Currently, the lack of a groundwater conservation district in Sabine, San Augustine, and Shelby Counties hinders efforts to keep a sustainable approach to managing the aquifer.

 

Elected officials in each of these three counties believe this is a potential problem as future  water use demands increase.

 

S.B. 1840 creates the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District (district) in order to establish the region's ability to manage, protect, and preserve the aquifers that are located within the geographical boundaries of Sabine, San Augustine, and Shelby Counties. The creation of the district will be subject to voter approval and the district will have no power of eminent domain.

 

S.B. 1840 amends current law relating to the creation of the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District, provides the authority to issue bonds, and provides the authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

 

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 Subtitle H, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 8873, as follows:

 

CHAPTER 8873.  DEEP EAST TEXAS GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

 

Sets forth standard language for the creation of the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District (district) in Sabine, San Augustine, and Shelby Counties.  Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

 

Creation, purpose, and approval of the district (Sections 8873.001-8873.007);

 

Size, composition, appointment, and terms of the board of directors, including the appointment of temporary directors and the creation of a municipal election (Sections 8873.021-8873.055);

 

Powers and duties of the district (Sections 8873.101-8873.106); and

 

General financial provisions of this district (Sections 8873.151-8873.152).

 

Prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.

 

SECTION 2.  Provides that all requirements of the constitution and the laws of this state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and accomplished.

 

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