BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1537

By: Shine

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that the Elm Creek Watershed Authority in Bell County is a local governmental entity that has mostly worked with flood prevention and lake management. It has been suggested that changes to the date of its directors' election and to its directors' terms would be beneficial. H.B. 1537 seeks to provide for such changes.

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. 1537 amends Chapter 273, Acts of the 55th Legislature, Regular Session, 1957, to change the date of the directors' election of the Elm Creek Watershed Authority from the second Tuesday in January of each year to the uniform election date in November of each odd‑numbered year. The bill extends the term of a director from two years to four years. The bill adds temporary provisions providing for the transition to the new election date and director terms. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.