AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Interested parties note that the state faces difficult challenges in developing water policies that serve both state and regional interests and that, in recognition of certain local groundwater supply limitations, the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area was designated a number of years ago to include territory in Comal County and surrounding areas. The parties further note that while groundwater conservation districts have been created in the surrounding areas, a portion of Comal County lacks such a district, and the parties assert the need for a district in that area in order to plan, develop, and regulate the use of water in the area. H.B. 2407 seeks to address this need.
H.B. 2407 amends current law relating to the creation of the Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, provides authority to issue bonds, and provides authority to impose assessments, fees, or surcharges.
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 8875, as follows:
CHAPTER 8875. Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District
sets forth standard language for the creation of the Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (district) in Comal County. Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:
General provisions, including the nature of the district, the initial district territory, and the construction of this chapter (Sections 8875.001-8875.004);
Size, composition, appointment, and eligibility for the board of directors (Sections 8875.051-8875.053);
Powers and duties of the district (Sections 8875.101-8875.108); and
General financial provisions, authority to set fees and use money collected from fees (Section 8875.151).
Prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.
SECTION 2. Requires the Comal County Commissioners Court, not later than December 31, 2015, to appoint the directors of the district as provided by Section 8875.052, Special District Local Laws Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. 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 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.