AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Interested parties note that the state faces a difficult challenge 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. S.B. 963 seeks to address this issue.

 

As proposed, S.B. 963 relates to the creation of the Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, provides authority to issue bonds, provides authority to impose assessments and fees, and prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.

 

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, eligibility, compensation and reimbursement expenses for the board of directors (Sections 8875.051-8875.053);

 

Powers and duties of the district (Sections 8875.101-8875.107); 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. 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, 2015.