BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3126

By: Nevárez

Special Purpose Districts

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note certain conflicts regarding the Jeff Davis County Underground Water Conservation District's governing authority. H.B. 3126 seeks to provide regulatory certainty for the district so it can continue in its important role of regulating groundwater in Jeff Davis County.

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. 3126 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to codify the Jeff Davis County Underground Water Conservation District. Among other things, the bill changes the nature of the district from an underground water conservation district to a groundwater conservation district and authorizes the district to assess applicable fees. The bill prohibits the district from charging for an annual period production fees greater than $1 per acre-foot for water used for agricultural use or 17 cents per 1,000 gallons for water used for any other purpose.

H.B. 3126 repeals Chapter 641, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.