BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 896
87R9304 SLB-F	By: Lucio
	Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
	4/20/2021
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Willacy County Drainage District No. 2 was created in 1969 by the 61st Legislature. This drainage district engages in work regarding the development and maintenance of drains, canals, ditches, and levees in roughly 35,000 acres in Willacy County.

At present, this drainage district has all the rights, powers, privileges, and duties provided by general law applicable to a fresh water supply district. The Willacy County Drainage District No. 2, however, does not supply, transport, or distribute fresh water.

S.B. 896 updates the Special District Local Laws Code to reflect the actual duties of the Willacy County Drainage District No. 2.

As proposed, S.B. 896 amends current law relating to the powers and duties of the Willacy County Drainage District No. 2.

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 Section 6611.101, Special District Local Laws Code, as follows:

Sec. 6611.101.  GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. Provides that, to accomplish the purpose of reclaiming and draining the district's overflowed lands and other lands needing drainage, the Willacy County Drainage District No. 2 (district) has all the rights, powers, privileges, and duties provided by general law applicable to a drainage district, rather than applicable to a fresh water supply district, created under Section 59 (Conservation and Development of Natural Resources; Development of Parks and Recreational Facilities; Conservation and Reclamation Districts; Indebtedness and Taxation Authorized), Article XVI, Texas Constitution. Deletes existing text providing that the powers of the district include the power to conserve, transport, and distribute fresh water.

SECTION 2. Provides that the change in law made by this Act does not affect the authority of the district to impose taxes or issue bonds.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2021.