LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 13, 2013

TO:	Honorable Troy Fraser, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3137 by Lucio III (Relating to limiting the amount of a fee or assessment imposed by the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority.), As Engrossed

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Sections 4.04 (b) and (d), Chapter 385, Acts of the 78th Legislature (SB 1902), relating to limiting the amount of a fee or assessment imposed by the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority.  The bill would have no fiscal implication to the state.

The bill would take immediate effect if the bill receives two-thirds the vote of both houses.  Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2013.

Local Government Impact

The bill would provide that certain water rights assessments on entities imposed by the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority could not exceed five cents per acre-foot. The Comptroller indicates that because the provisions allowing for the increase in fees assessed on certain water rights holders are permissive, the ultimate fiscal implications to local governments cannot be determined.  Ultimately, the bill could provide local governments with financial assistance for water projects.

Source Agencies:

580 Water Development Board, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts

LBB Staff:

UP, TB, SZ, SD, KKR