BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4038

By: Workman

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that certain land located in Travis County would benefit from the creation of a groundwater conservation district to manage and conserve groundwater. The parties support legislation that would create such a district and specify its authority. H.B. 4038 seeks to achieve this goal.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

H.B. 4038 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Western Travis County Groundwater Conservation District. The bill establishes that an election to confirm the creation of the district is not required. The bill provides for, among other provisions, the appointment and authority of temporary directors and the exemption of certain wells from district regulation, including an exemption for a well used for dewatering and monitoring in the production of coal or lignite from permit requirements, regulations, and fees imposed by the district. The bill provides for a new well construction fee capped at $1,000 for a new well, a permit renewal application fee capped at $400, and a water utility service connection fee capped at $1,000 for each new water service connection made after September 1, 2015. The bill prohibits the district from assessing or collecting any other fees and from exercising the power of eminent domain or imposing a tax.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.