87R12818 SCL-D
 
  By: Moody H.B. No. 3530
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain local laws
  concerning water and wastewater special districts, including a
  conforming amendment.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
  ARTICLE 1. NONSUBSTANTIVE REVISION OF LOCAL LAWS
         SECTION 1.01.  LEVEE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT. Subtitle E,
  Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, is amended by adding
  Chapter 7817 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 7817. DENTON COUNTY LEVEE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
  OF DENTON AND DALLAS COUNTIES, TEXAS
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Sec. 7817.0101.  DEFINITIONS 
  Sec. 7817.0102.  NATURE OF DISTRICT 
  Sec. 7817.0103.  TERRITORY 
  Sec. 7817.0104.  ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY 
  Sec. 7817.0105.  APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW 
  SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES
  Sec. 7817.0201.  AUTHORITY TO UNDERTAKE IMPROVEMENT
                    PROJECTS OR SERVICES 
  Sec. 7817.0202.  COMPACTED FILL AUTHORITY 
  SUBCHAPTER C. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
  Sec. 7817.0301.  ASSESSMENTS; LIENS FOR ASSESSMENTS 
  Sec. 7817.0302.  AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE SPECIAL
                    ASSESSMENTS FOR CERTAIN IMPROVEMENT
                    PROJECTS OR SERVICES 
  Sec. 7817.0303.  PETITION REQUIRED FOR FINANCING
                    IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS OR SERVICES
                    THROUGH ASSESSMENTS 
  Sec. 7817.0304.  IMPACT FEE AND ASSESSMENT EXEMPTIONS 
  Sec. 7817.0305.  BONDS AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS 
  CHAPTER 7817. DENTON COUNTY LEVEE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
  OF DENTON AND DALLAS COUNTIES, TEXAS
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 7817.0101.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Board" means the district's board of directors.
               (2)  "District" means the Denton County Levee
  Improvement District No. 1 of Denton and Dallas Counties, Texas.
  (Acts 69th Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Sec. 1.)
         Sec. 7817.0102.  NATURE OF DISTRICT. The district is:
               (1)  a levee improvement district created under and
  essential to accomplish the purposes of Section 59, Article XVI,
  Texas Constitution; and
               (2)  a political subdivision of this state. (Acts 69th
  Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Sec. 3.)
         Sec. 7817.0103.  TERRITORY. The district boundaries form a
  closure. (Acts 69th Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Sec. 2 (part).)
         Sec. 7817.0104.  ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY. (a) The district
  may annex any territory the owner of which petitions for annexation
  by the method prescribed by Section 49.301, Water Code.
         (b)  At least 30 days before acting on a petition for
  annexation, the district shall notify all municipalities within
  whose boundaries the district or the land described in the petition
  is located. The notification must:
               (1)  be in writing;
               (2)  specify the time and place of the meeting to
  consider the petition;
               (3)  invite the municipality to appear at the meeting;
  and
               (4)  include a copy of the petition.
         (c)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter,
  the district may annex only territory with a boundary contiguous to
  a district boundary. (Acts 69th Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Sec. 5.)
         Sec. 7817.0105.  APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW. Chapters 49
  and 57, Water Code, apply to the district except to the extent this
  chapter constitutes a modification of general law. (Acts 69th
  Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Sec. 6.)
  SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES
         Sec. 7817.0201.  AUTHORITY TO UNDERTAKE IMPROVEMENT
  PROJECTS OR SERVICES. (a) The board may undertake an improvement
  project or service that confers a special benefit on all or a
  definable part of the district.
         (b)  As needed to restore, preserve, or enhance the scenic
  and aesthetic beauty of an area in the district, the district may
  include in the improvement project or service the acquisition,
  construction, or financing of:
               (1)  a drainage facility;
               (2)  a hiking and cycling trail;
               (3)  a pedestrian walkway along or across a street, at
  grade or above or below the surface;
               (4)  landscaping; and
               (5)  other development. (Acts 69th Leg., R.S., Ch.
  473, Secs. 6A(a), (c).)
         Sec. 7817.0202.  COMPACTED FILL AUTHORITY. The district may
  include compacted fill in the district's reclamation plan and may
  spend money and issue bonds to the full extent otherwise authorized
  by Chapters 49 and 57, Water Code, for payment of compacted fill.
  (Acts 69th Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Sec. 4.)
  SUBCHAPTER C. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 7817.0301.  ASSESSMENTS; LIENS FOR ASSESSMENTS. (a)
  The board by resolution may impose an assessment for any purpose
  authorized by this chapter.
         (b)  An assessment, including an assessment resulting from
  an addition to or correction of the assessment roll by the district,
  a reassessment, penalties and interest on an assessment or
  reassessment, an expense of collection, and reasonable attorney's
  fees incurred by the district are:
               (1)  a first and prior lien against the property
  assessed;
               (2)  superior to any other lien or claim other than a
  lien or claim for county, school district, or municipal ad valorem
  taxes; and
               (3)  the personal liability of and a charge against the
  property owners even if the owners are not named in the assessment
  proceedings.
         (c)  The lien is effective from the date of the board's
  resolution imposing the assessment until the date the assessment is
  paid. The board may enforce the lien in the same manner that the
  board may enforce an ad valorem tax lien against real property.
  (Acts 69th Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Sec. 6C.)
         Sec. 7817.0302.  AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR
  CERTAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS OR SERVICES. (a) The board may impose
  a special assessment on property in the district based on the
  benefit conferred by an improvement project or service under
  Section 7817.0201 to pay all or part of the cost of the project or
  service.
         (b)  Sections 375.111 through 375.124, Local Government
  Code, apply to financing an improvement project or service under
  Section 7817.0201. (Acts 69th Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Secs. 6A(b),
  (d).)
         Sec. 7817.0303.  PETITION REQUIRED FOR FINANCING
  IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS OR SERVICES THROUGH ASSESSMENTS. (a) The
  board may not finance an improvement project or service through an
  assessment imposed under this chapter unless a written petition
  requesting that improvement or service has been filed with the
  board.
         (b)  The petition must be signed by:
               (1)  the owners of a majority of the assessed value of
  real property in the district subject to assessment according to
  the most recent certified appraisal rolls for Denton and Dallas
  Counties; or
               (2)  the owners of a majority of the surface area of
  real property in the district subject to assessment as determined
  by the board. (Acts 69th Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Sec. 6B.)
         Sec. 7817.0304.  IMPACT FEE AND ASSESSMENT EXEMPTIONS. The
  district may not impose an impact fee or assessment on:
               (1)  single-family residential property; or
               (2)  the property, including the equipment,
  rights-of-way, facilities, or improvements, of:
                     (A)  an electric utility or a power generation
  company as defined by Section 31.002, Utilities Code;
                     (B)  a gas utility as defined by Section 101.003
  or 121.001, Utilities Code;
                     (C)  a telecommunications provider as defined by
  Section 51.002, Utilities Code; or
                     (D)  a person who provides to the public cable
  television or advanced telecommunications services. (Acts 69th
  Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Secs. 6D, 6F.)
         Sec. 7817.0305.  BONDS AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS. (a) The
  district may issue bonds or other obligations payable wholly or
  partly from ad valorem taxes, assessments, impact fees, revenue,
  grants, or other district money, or any combination of those
  sources, to pay for any authorized district purpose.
         (b)  In exercising the district's power to borrow, the
  district may issue a bond or other obligation in the form of a bond,
  note, certificate of participation or other instrument evidencing a
  proportionate interest in payments to be made by the district, or
  other type of obligation.
         (c)  The district must obtain approval from the City of
  Lewisville before issuing bonds under this section. (Acts 69th
  Leg., R.S., Ch. 473, Sec. 6E.)
         SECTION 1.02.  MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT. Subtitle F,
  Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, is amended by adding
  Chapter 7886 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 7886. SEBASTIAN MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Sec. 7886.0101.  DEFINITIONS 
  SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES
  Sec. 7886.0201.  QUALIFIED WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION 
  Sec. 7886.0202.  PETITION TO DISSOLVE DISTRICT 
  Sec. 7886.0203.  ELECTION RELATING TO DISSOLUTION OF
                    DISTRICT 
  Sec. 7886.0204.  ELECTION RESULTS 
  Sec. 7886.0205.  AGREEMENT AND ORDER RELATING TO
                    DISSOLUTION OF DISTRICT 
  Sec. 7886.0206.  AGREEMENT AND ORDER RELATING TO WATER
                    AND WASTEWATER SERVICE 
  Sec. 7886.0207.  FILING REQUIREMENT 
  CHAPTER 7886. SEBASTIAN MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 7886.0101.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Board" means the district's board of directors.
               (2)  "Corporation" means a qualified water supply
  corporation as described by Section 7886.0201.
               (3)  "District" means the Sebastian Municipal Utility
  District.
               (4)  "Utility commission" means the Public Utility
  Commission of Texas. (Acts 75th Leg., R.S., Ch. 516, Sec. 1; New.)
  SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES
         Sec. 7886.0201.  QUALIFIED WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION. A
  corporation is qualified to assume the district's debts,
  liabilities, and obligations and assume ownership of the district's
  assets and facilities if the corporation:
               (1)  is member-owned, member-controlled, and formed
  under Chapter 67, Water Code; and
               (2)  possesses a valid certificate of public
  convenience and necessity obtained under Section 13.246, Water
  Code. (Acts 75th Leg., R.S., Ch. 516, Sec. 7.)
         Sec. 7886.0202.  PETITION TO DISSOLVE DISTRICT. (a) A
  petition may be filed with the board requesting an election in the
  district to decide if the board must enter into an agreement
  described by Section 7886.0205(a).
         (b)  A petition filed under this section must be printed in
  English and Spanish and read as follows:
         "We, the undersigned, being registered voters in the
  Sebastian Municipal Utility District, request the board of
  directors of the Sebastian Municipal Utility District to hold an
  election to decide if the board must enter into an agreement with a
  qualified water supply corporation in which the district's debts,
  liabilities, obligations, assets, and facilities are transferred
  to the qualified water supply corporation and the district is
  dissolved." (Acts 75th Leg., R.S., Ch. 516, Sec. 4.)
         Sec. 7886.0203.  ELECTION RELATING TO DISSOLUTION OF
  DISTRICT. (a)  The board shall call an election as requested by a
  petition filed under Section 7886.0202 only if:
               (1)  an election has not been held previously under
  this section; and
               (2)  the board determines that the petition is signed
  by at least 10 percent of the registered voters in the district.
         (b)  The board shall make the determination under Subsection
  (a)(2) not later than the seventh day after the date on which the
  board receives the petition.
         (c)  The board shall hold an election required by Subsection
  (a) on the first authorized uniform election date after the date the
  board determines an election is required that allows sufficient
  time for the board to comply with all applicable provisions of the
  Election Code.
         (d)  The board shall publish notice of the election in a
  newspaper of general circulation in the district once each week for
  three weeks before the date the election is scheduled to be held.
         (e)  The ballot for an election ordered in response to a
  petition filed under Section 7886.0202 must be printed in English
  and Spanish and read as follows:
         "By voting YES on this ballot, you are voting in favor of
  requiring the Sebastian Municipal Utility District to enter into an
  agreement with a qualified water supply corporation in which the
  district's debts, liabilities, obligations, assets, and facilities
  are transferred to the corporation and the district is dissolved.
  By voting NO on this ballot, you are voting against requiring the
  Sebastian Municipal Utility District to enter into such an
  agreement." (Acts 75th Leg., R.S., Ch. 516, Secs. 5(a), (b), (c),
  (d) (part), (e).)
         Sec. 7886.0204.  ELECTION RESULTS. (a)  If a majority of the
  voters vote in favor of the ballot proposition stated in Section
  7886.0203(e), the board shall enter into an agreement described by
  Section 7886.0205(a) if:
               (1)  a corporation agrees to the terms specified by
  Section 7886.0205(a); and
               (2)  the utility commission determines that the
  corporation is capable of rendering adequate and continuous service
  as required by Section 13.251, Water Code.
         (b)  If a majority of the voters vote against the ballot
  proposition stated in Section 7886.0203(e), the board may not enter
  into an agreement described by Section 7886.0205(a) before the
  district conducts the first board election held after the date on
  which the voters voted against the ballot proposition. (Acts 75th
  Leg., R.S., Ch. 516, Secs. 5(f), (g).)
         Sec. 7886.0205.  AGREEMENT AND ORDER RELATING TO DISSOLUTION
  OF DISTRICT. (a) A corporation may enter into an agreement with the
  district to:
               (1)  accept assignment of the district's certificate of
  public convenience and necessity obtained under Section 13.246,
  Water Code, and any right obtained under the certificate, after the
  utility commission determines that the corporation is capable of
  rendering adequate and continuous service as required by Section
  13.251, Water Code;
               (2)  assume the district's debts, liabilities, and
  obligations;
               (3)  assume ownership of the district's assets and
  facilities; and
               (4)  perform the district's functions and provide all
  services previously provided by the district.
         (b)  If a corporation enters into an agreement described by
  Subsection (a), the board shall issue an order that dissolves the
  district.
         (c)  The district's dissolution becomes effective on the
  30th day after the date the board issues the order dissolving the
  district.
         (d)  On the effective date of the dissolution:
               (1)  all of the district's property and other assets are
  transferred to the corporation;
               (2)  all of the district's debts, liabilities, and
  other obligations are assumed by the corporation; and
               (3)  the district's certificate of public convenience
  and necessity and any right obtained under the certificate is
  assigned to the corporation in the manner prescribed by Section
  13.251, Water Code.  (Acts 75th Leg., R.S., Ch. 516, Sec. 2.)
         Sec. 7886.0206.  AGREEMENT AND ORDER RELATING TO WATER AND
  WASTEWATER SERVICE. (a) A corporation may enter into an agreement
  with the district to:
               (1)  assume the district's debts, liabilities, and
  obligations relating to water and wastewater service;
               (2)  assume ownership of the district's assets and
  facilities relating to water and wastewater service;
               (3)  apply to the utility commission to obtain a
  certificate of public convenience and necessity or an amendment to
  a certificate under Section 13.244, Water Code, to render water and
  wastewater service to the area served by the district; and
               (4)  perform the district's functions relating to water
  and wastewater service and provide all services relating to those
  services previously provided by the district.
         (b)  If a corporation enters into an agreement described by
  Subsection (a) and the utility commission grants to the corporation
  a certificate of public convenience and necessity as described by
  Subsection (a)(3), the board shall issue an order transferring the
  district's debts, liabilities, obligations, assets, and facilities
  relating to water and wastewater service to the corporation.
         (c)  On the 30th day after the date the board issues the order
  transferring the district's debts, liabilities, obligations,
  assets, and facilities:
               (1)  all of the district's property and other assets
  relating to water and wastewater service are transferred to the
  corporation; and
               (2)  all of the district's debts, liabilities, and
  other obligations relating to water and wastewater service are
  assumed by the corporation. (Acts 75th Leg., R.S., Ch. 516, Sec. 3.)
         Sec. 7886.0207.  FILING REQUIREMENT. (a)  The board shall
  file a copy of the agreement described by Section 7886.0205(a) and a
  copy of the board's order dissolving the district issued under
  Section 7886.0205(b) not later than the 15th day after the date the
  board issues the order:
               (1)  with the Texas Commission on Environmental
  Quality;
               (2)  with the utility commission; and
               (3)  in the deed records of Willacy and Cameron
  Counties.
         (b)  The board shall file a copy of the agreement described
  by Section 7886.0206(a) and a copy of the board's order
  transferring the district's obligations and assets issued under
  Section 7886.0206(b) not later than the 15th day after the date the
  board issues the order:
               (1)  with the Texas Commission on Environmental
  Quality;
               (2)  with the utility commission; and
               (3)  in the deed records of Willacy and Cameron
  Counties.  (Acts 75th Leg., R.S., Ch. 516, Sec. 6.)
         SECTION 1.03.  RIVER AUTHORITIES. Subtitle G, Title 6,
  Special District Local Laws Code, is amended by adding Chapters
  8510 and 8511 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 8510. RED RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXAS
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Sec. 8510.0101.  DEFINITIONS 
  Sec. 8510.0102.  NATURE OF AUTHORITY 
  Sec. 8510.0103.  FINDINGS OF BENEFIT AND PUBLIC PURPOSE 
  Sec. 8510.0104.  REVIEW SCHEDULE UNDER SUNSET ACT 
  Sec. 8510.01045. SUNSET REPORT AUDIT 
  Sec. 8510.0105.  TERRITORY 
  Sec. 8510.0106.  EFFECT OF OVERLAPPING TERRITORY 
  Sec. 8510.0107.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER TO CERTAIN
                    COUNTIES 
  Sec. 8510.0108.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER TO BOWIE
                    COUNTY 
  Sec. 8510.0109.  LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER 
  SUBCHAPTER B. BOARD OF DIRECTORS; ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
  Sec. 8510.0201.  MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD 
  Sec. 8510.0202.  TERMS 
  Sec. 8510.0203.  REMOVAL 
  Sec. 8510.0204.  VACANCY 
  Sec. 8510.0205.  OATH AND BOND REQUIREMENT FOR
                    DIRECTORS 
  Sec. 8510.0206.  COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS 
  Sec. 8510.0207.  VOTING REQUIREMENT 
  Sec. 8510.0208.  OFFICERS 
  Sec. 8510.0209.  DIRECTOR TRAINING PROGRAM 
  Sec. 8510.0210.  MEETINGS 
  Sec. 8510.0211.  SEPARATION OF POLICYMAKING AND
                    MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS 
  Sec. 8510.0212.  ATTORNEYS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES 
  Sec. 8510.0213.  GENERAL MANAGER 
  Sec. 8510.0214.  DIRECTOR'S, OFFICER'S, OR EMPLOYEE'S
                    SURETY BOND 
  Sec. 8510.0215.  AUTHORITY'S OFFICE 
  Sec. 8510.0216.  RECORDS 
  Sec. 8510.0217.  COMPLAINTS 
  Sec. 8510.0218.  ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
                    PROCEDURES 
  Sec. 8510.0219.  PUBLIC TESTIMONY 
  SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES
  Sec. 8510.0301.  GENERAL POWERS 
  Sec. 8510.0302.  POWERS RELATING TO CONSERVATION AND
                    BENEFICIAL USE OF WATER 
  Sec. 8510.0303.  POWERS REGARDING CANALS, WATERWAYS,
                    AND RELATED FACILITIES 
  Sec. 8510.0304.  FEDERALLY CONSTRUCTED OR MAINTAINED
                    CANALS, WATERWAYS, AND FACILITIES 
  Sec. 8510.0305.  POWER TO CONTROL, DEVELOP, STORE, AND
                    USE WATER FOR NAVIGATIONAL USE 
  Sec. 8510.0306.  POWERS RELATING TO FLOODING 
  Sec. 8510.0307.  MASTER PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SOIL
                    AND WATER RESOURCES 
  Sec. 8510.0308.  POWERS RELATING TO PARKS AND
                    RECREATIONAL FACILITIES 
  Sec. 8510.0309.  POWERS RELATING TO WASTE FACILITIES;
                    BONDS 
  Sec. 8510.0310.  ADDITIONAL POWERS OF AUTHORITY AND
                    OTHER PERSONS; BONDS 
  Sec. 8510.0311.  POWERS RELATING TO CONTRACTS 
  Sec. 8510.0312.  POWERS RELATING TO WATER DISTRIBUTION
                    PLANTS OR SYSTEMS 
  Sec. 8510.0313.  CONTRACTS FOR SALE AND DELIVERY OF
                    WATER TO CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES 
  Sec. 8510.0314.  ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY BY GIFT,
                    PURCHASE, OR EMINENT DOMAIN 
  Sec. 8510.0315.  COST OF RELOCATING OR ALTERING
                    PROPERTY 
  Sec. 8510.0316.  ACQUISITION OR OPERATION OF PROPERTY 
  Sec. 8510.0317.  LIMITATION ON PURCHASE OF GROUNDWATER
                    RIGHTS 
  Sec. 8510.0318.  LIMITATION ON POWERS OF AUTHORITY
                    REGARDING GROUNDWATER 
  Sec. 8510.0319.  LIMITATION ON POWERS AND DUTIES OF
                    AUTHORITY; COMMISSION APPROVAL OF
                    CERTAIN PLANS 
  Sec. 8510.0320.  LIMITATION ON POWER TO MANUFACTURE AND
                    PRODUCE GASOHOL 
  Sec. 8510.0321.  SEAL 
  SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
  Sec. 8510.0401.  PROCEDURE FOR PAYMENT 
  Sec. 8510.0402.  RECEIPT OF MONEY 
  Sec. 8510.0403.  FISCAL YEAR 
  Sec. 8510.0404.  FILING OF AUDIT REPORT 
  Sec. 8510.0405.  ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN 
  Sec. 8510.0406.  RATES AND CHARGES 
  Sec. 8510.0407.  CHANGES TO RATES AND CHARGES 
  Sec. 8510.0408.  NOTICE OF RIGHT TO APPEAL CHANGES TO
                    RATES 
  Sec. 8510.0409.  DEPOSITORY 
  Sec. 8510.0410.  TAX NOT AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER 
  SUBCHAPTER E. BORROWED MONEY OR GRANTS
  Sec. 8510.0501.  POWER TO ISSUE OBLIGATIONS OR WARRANTS 
  Sec. 8510.0502.  LOANS AND GRANTS 
  Sec. 8510.0503.  POWER TO SEEK AND ACCEPT CONTRIBUTIONS 
  Sec. 8510.0504.  POWER TO ISSUE BONDS 
  Sec. 8510.0505.  FORM OF BONDS 
  Sec. 8510.0506.  MATURITY 
  Sec. 8510.0507.  BONDS PAYABLE FROM REVENUE 
  Sec. 8510.0508.  COMPENSATION RATES 
  Sec. 8510.0509.  ADDITIONAL SECURITY 
  Sec. 8510.0510.  USE OF BOND PROCEEDS 
  Sec. 8510.0511.  APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER 
  Sec. 8510.0512.  REFUNDING BONDS 
  CHAPTER 8510. RED RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXAS
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 8510.0101.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Authority" means the Red River Authority of
  Texas.
               (2)  "Board" means the authority's board of directors.
               (3)  "Commission" means the Texas Commission on
  Environmental Quality.
               (4)  "Director" means a board member. (Acts 56th Leg.,
  R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 1 (part); New.)
         Sec. 8510.0102.  NATURE OF AUTHORITY. The authority is a
  conservation and reclamation district created under Section 59,
  Article XVI, Texas Constitution. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279,
  Sec. 1 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0103.  FINDINGS OF BENEFIT AND PUBLIC PURPOSE.
  (a) The authority is:
               (1)  essential to accomplish the purposes of Section
  59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution; and
               (2)  created to serve a public use and benefit.
         (b)  All land and other property inside the authority's
  boundaries will benefit from the authority.
         (c)  All of the authority's territory will benefit by the
  exercise of the powers, rights, privileges, and functions conferred
  by this chapter.
         (d)  This chapter addresses a subject in which this state is
  interested. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Secs. 2 (part), 30
  (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0104.  REVIEW SCHEDULE UNDER SUNSET ACT. A review
  of the authority under Section 325.025, Government Code, shall be
  conducted as if the authority were a state agency scheduled to be
  abolished September 1, 2031, and every 12th year after that year.
  (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 1A(a) (part).)
         Sec. 8510.01045.  SUNSET REPORT AUDIT. (a) The state
  auditor shall conduct an audit of the authority to evaluate whether
  the authority has addressed the operational challenges identified
  in the report on the authority by the Sunset Advisory Commission
  presented to the 86th Legislature.
         (b)  The state auditor may not begin the audit required by
  Subsection (a) before December 1, 2021, and shall prepare and
  submit a report of the findings of the audit to the chairman and
  executive director of the Sunset Advisory Commission not later than
  December 1, 2022.
         (c)  The state auditor shall include the auditor's duties
  under this section in each audit plan under Section 321.013,
  Government Code, that governs the auditor's duties for the period
  specified by Subsection (b).
         (d)  This section expires January 1, 2023. (Acts 56th Leg.,
  R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 36.)
         Sec. 8510.0105.  TERRITORY. (a) The authority is composed
  of the territory described by Subsection (b) as that territory may
  have been modified under:
               (1)  Subchapter J, Chapter 49, Water Code;
               (2)  Subchapter O, Chapter 51, Water Code;
               (3)  Subchapter H, Chapter 62, Water Code; or
               (4)  other law.
         (b)  The authority is composed of:
               (1)  the whole of each county in this state located
  wholly or partly in the watershed of the Red River and its
  tributaries in this state whose confluences with the Red River are
  upstream from the northeast corner of Bowie County, as shown by
  contour maps on file with the Texas Water Development Board; and
               (2)  the whole of Hartley, Hutchinson, Lamar, Lipscomb,
  and Red River Counties.
         (c)  A defect or irregularity in the boundary or an overlap
  or conflict of the boundary with another authority or district does
  not affect the authority's validity. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch.
  279, Sec. 2 (part); New.)
         Sec. 8510.0106.  EFFECT OF OVERLAPPING TERRITORY. (a) An
  overlap of the authority's territory with another district's or
  authority's territory or watershed does not affect the powers,
  affairs, duties, or functions of another district or authority,
  including the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority.
         (b)  A district or authority of a local nature, peculiar to a
  defined area, may be created wholly or partly inside the authority.
         (c)  The authority shall cooperate in every practical manner
  with the sponsor of an existing or proposed district or authority
  described by this section in the prosecution of its proposed
  improvements. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 3.)
         Sec. 8510.0107.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER TO CERTAIN
  COUNTIES.  Except as provided by Section 8510.0108, this chapter
  does not apply to Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Marion,
  Morris, or Titus County. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 2
  (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0108.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER TO BOWIE COUNTY.
  (a) In this section, "project" means the United States Army Corps
  of Engineers' Red River Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project,
  from Index, Arkansas, to Denison Dam.
         (b)  Bowie County is included in the authority for the
  limited purpose of participating in the project. This chapter
  applies to Bowie County to the extent necessary to accomplish the
  project.
         (c)  Bowie County is liable only for debt incurred by the
  authority directly in connection with the project. The board may
  exercise the powers and duties, including the power of eminent
  domain, under this chapter with relation to Bowie County only to the
  extent necessary to accomplish the project. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S.,
  Ch. 279, Secs. 2 (part), 14d; New.)
         Sec. 8510.0109.  LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER. This
  chapter shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
  (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 30 (part).)
  SUBCHAPTER B. BOARD OF DIRECTORS; ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
         Sec. 8510.0201.  MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD. (a) The board
  consists of nine directors appointed by the governor with the
  advice and consent of the senate.
         (b)  Each director must be:
               (1)  a freehold property taxpayer and a qualified voter
  of this state; and
               (2)  a resident of the director district that the
  director is appointed to represent.
         (c)  The governor shall appoint three directors to represent
  each of the following districts:
               (1)  director district no. 1 includes Armstrong,
  Carson, Castro, Collingsworth, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hemphill,
  Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, and Wheeler Counties;
               (2)  director district no. 2 includes Archer, Baylor,
  Briscoe, Childress, Clay, Cottle, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Foard,
  Hale, Hall, Hardeman, King, Knox, Motley, Swisher, Wichita, and
  Wilbarger Counties; and
               (3)  director district no. 3 includes Bowie, Cooke,
  Fannin, Grayson, Lamar, Montague, and Red River Counties. (Acts
  56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Secs. 4(a) (part), (b), (c), (d), (e).)
         Sec. 8510.0202.  TERMS. Directors serve staggered six-year
  terms. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 4(f) (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0203.  REMOVAL. (a) It is a ground for removal
  from the board that a director:
               (1)  does not have at the time of taking office the
  qualifications required by Sections 8510.0201 and 8510.0205;
               (2)  does not maintain during service on the board the
  qualifications required by Sections 8510.0201 and 8510.0205;
               (3)  is ineligible for directorship under Chapter 171,
  Local Government Code;
               (4)  cannot, because of illness or disability,
  discharge the director's duties for a substantial part of the
  director's term; or
               (5)  is absent from more than half of the regularly
  scheduled board meetings that the director is eligible to attend
  during a calendar year without an excuse approved by a majority vote
  of the board.
         (b)  The validity of a board action is not affected by the
  fact that it is taken when a ground for removal of a director
  exists.
         (c)  If the general manager has knowledge that a potential
  ground for removal exists, the general manager shall notify the
  board president of the potential ground. The president shall then
  notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential
  ground for removal exists.  If the potential ground for removal
  involves the president, the general manager shall notify the next
  highest ranking director, who shall then notify the governor and
  the attorney general that a potential ground for removal exists.
  (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 4a.)
         Sec. 8510.0204.  VACANCY. The governor fills a board
  vacancy for the unexpired part of the term in the manner provided by
  Section 8510.0201. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 4(f)
  (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0205.  OATH AND BOND REQUIREMENT FOR DIRECTORS.
  (a) Not later than the 15th day after the date of appointment, a
  director shall qualify by:
               (1)  taking the constitutional oath of office; and
               (2)  filing a good and sufficient bond with the
  secretary of state and obtaining the secretary of state's approval
  on the bond.
         (b)  The bond must be:
               (1)  in the amount of $5,000;
               (2)  payable to the authority; and
               (3)  conditioned on the faithful performance of duties
  as a director. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 4(g).)
         Sec. 8510.0206.  COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS. (a) Unless the
  board by resolution increases the fee to an amount authorized by
  Section 49.060, Water Code, a director shall receive as a fee of
  office an amount not to exceed $25 for each day of service necessary
  to discharge the director's duties if the board authorizes the
  same.
         (b)  Not later than the last day of each month or as soon as
  practicable after that date, a director shall file with the
  secretary a verified statement showing the amount due under
  Subsection (a).
         (c)  The authority shall issue a warrant for the amount shown
  in the verified statement filed under Subsection (b).
         (d)  In all areas of conflict with this section, Section
  49.060, Water Code, takes precedence. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch.
  279, Secs. 10(a) (part), (b).)
         Sec. 8510.0207.  VOTING REQUIREMENT. (a) Except as
  provided by Subsection (b), a concurrence of a majority of the
  directors present is sufficient in any matter relating to authority
  business.
         (b)  The concurrence of seven directors is required to award
  a construction contract or to authorize the issuance of a warrant to
  pay for a construction contract. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279,
  Sec. 5 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0208.  OFFICERS. (a) The governor shall
  designate a director as the board president to serve as the
  authority's chief executive officer at the pleasure of the
  governor.
         (b)  The board shall elect one director as vice president,
  one director as secretary, and one director as treasurer.
         (c)  The vice president shall act as president if the
  president is absent or disabled.
         (d)  The secretary shall act as board secretary. The board
  shall select a secretary pro tem if the secretary is absent or
  unable to act.
         (e)  The authority may appoint officers, prescribe their
  duties, and set their compensation. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279,
  Secs. 5 (part), 7 (part), 22 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0209.  DIRECTOR TRAINING PROGRAM. (a) A person
  who is appointed to and qualifies for office as a director may not
  vote, deliberate, or be counted as a director in attendance at a
  board meeting until the person completes a training program that
  complies with this section.
         (b)  The training program must provide the person with
  information regarding:
               (1)  the law governing the authority's operations;
               (2)  the authority's programs, functions, rules, and
  budget;
               (3)  the results of the authority's most recent formal
  audit;
               (4)  the requirements of:
                     (A)  laws relating to open meetings, public
  information, administrative procedure, and disclosure of conflicts
  of interest; and
                     (B)  other laws applicable to members of the
  governing body of a river authority in performing their duties; and
               (5)  any applicable ethics policies adopted by the
  authority or the Texas Ethics Commission.
         (c)  A person appointed to the board is entitled to
  reimbursement for the travel expenses incurred in attending the
  training program regardless of whether the attendance at the
  program occurs before or after the person qualifies for office.
         (d)  The general manager shall create a training manual that
  includes the information required by Subsection (b). The general
  manager shall distribute a copy of the training manual annually to
  each director. Each director shall sign and submit to the general
  manager a statement acknowledging that the director has received
  and reviewed the training manual. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279,
  Sec. 4b.)
         Sec. 8510.0210.  MEETINGS. (a) The president shall preside
  at all board meetings.
         (b)  At each regular board meeting, the board shall:
               (1)  include public testimony as a meeting agenda item;
  and
               (2)  allow the public to comment on all meeting agenda
  items and other matters under the authority's jurisdiction.
         (c)  At a regular board meeting, the board may not deliberate
  on or decide a matter not included in the meeting agenda, except
  that the board may discuss including the matter on the agenda for a
  subsequent meeting.
         (d)  The board or a board committee may hold a meeting by
  telephone conference call, by video conference call, or through
  communications over the Internet, in accordance with procedures
  provided by Subchapter F, Chapter 551, Government Code, if the
  board president or any three board members determine that holding
  the meeting in that manner is necessary or convenient.  (Acts 56th
  Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Secs. 7 (part), 7a, 34(b).)
         Sec. 8510.0211.  SEPARATION OF POLICYMAKING AND MANAGEMENT
  FUNCTIONS. The board shall develop and implement policies that
  clearly separate the board's policymaking responsibilities and the
  general manager's and staff's management responsibilities. (Acts
  56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 11a.)
         Sec. 8510.0212.  ATTORNEYS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES. (a) The
  authority may appoint attorneys, agents, and employees, prescribe
  their duties, and set their compensation.
         (b)  The board may remove an authority employee.
         (c)  The board shall set the term of office and the
  compensation to be paid to authority employees. (Acts 56th Leg.,
  R.S., Ch. 279, Secs. 11 (part), 22 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0213.  GENERAL MANAGER. (a) The board may employ
  a general manager.
         (b)  The board shall set the term of office and the
  compensation to be paid to the general manager.
         (c)  The board may not employ a director as general manager.
  (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 11 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0214.  DIRECTOR'S, OFFICER'S, OR EMPLOYEE'S SURETY
  BOND. (a)  A bond required of an authority director, officer, or
  employee must be executed by a surety company authorized to do
  business in this state, as surety on the bond.
         (b)  The authority shall pay the premium on the bond. (Acts
  56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 12.)
         Sec. 8510.0215.  AUTHORITY'S OFFICE. A regular office shall
  be established and maintained to conduct the authority's business
  inside the authority's territory at a place determined by the
  board. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 8 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0216.  RECORDS. The secretary shall maintain a
  record of all board proceedings and orders. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S.,
  Ch. 279, Sec. 7 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0217.  COMPLAINTS. (a) The authority shall
  maintain a system to promptly and efficiently act on complaints
  filed with the authority.
         (b)  The authority shall maintain:
               (1)  information about the subject matter of the
  complaint;
               (2)  information about the parties to the complaint;
               (3)  a summary of the results of the review or
  investigation of the complaint; and
               (4)  the disposition of the complaint.
         (c)  Periodically, the authority shall notify the parties to
  the complaint of the complaint's status until final disposition.
         (d)  The authority shall make information available
  describing its procedures for complaint investigation and
  resolution. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 35.)
         Sec. 8510.0218.  ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES.
  (a) The board shall develop a policy to encourage the use of
  appropriate alternative dispute resolution procedures under
  Chapter 2009, Government Code, to assist in the resolution of
  internal and external disputes under the authority's jurisdiction.
         (b)  The authority's procedures relating to alternative
  dispute resolution must conform, to the extent possible, to any
  model guidelines issued by the State Office of Administrative
  Hearings for the use of alternative dispute resolution by state
  agencies.
         (c)  The authority shall:
               (1)  coordinate the implementation of the policy
  adopted under Subsection (a);
               (2)  provide training as needed to implement the
  procedures for alternative dispute resolution; and
               (3)  collect data concerning the effectiveness of those
  procedures. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 33, as added by
  Acts 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 23.)
         Sec. 8510.0219.  PUBLIC TESTIMONY. The board shall develop
  and implement policies that provide the public with a reasonable
  opportunity to appear before the board and to speak on any issue
  under the authority's jurisdiction. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch.
  279, Sec. 34(a).)
  SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES
         Sec. 8510.0301.  GENERAL POWERS. (a) The authority has:
               (1)  the functions, powers, rights, and duties as may
  permit the authority to accomplish the purposes for which it is
  created;
               (2)  the powers of this state under Section 59, Article
  XVI, Texas Constitution; and
               (3)  all powers, rights, privileges, and functions
  conferred on navigation districts by general law.
         (b)  Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the
  authority has the rights, power, and privileges conferred by the
  general law applicable to a water control and improvement district
  created under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution,
  including Chapter 51, Water Code.
         (c)  The authority is governed by Chapters 49, 60, and 62,
  Water Code, but in all areas of conflict, Chapter 62 takes
  precedence. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Secs. 14a (part), 19
  (part), 31; New.)
         Sec. 8510.0302.  POWERS RELATING TO CONSERVATION AND
  BENEFICIAL USE OF WATER. (a) The authority has the powers of this
  state under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, to
  effectuate flood control and the conservation and use of the storm,
  flood, and unappropriated waters of the watershed of the Red River
  and its tributaries in this state for all beneficial purposes,
  subject only to:
               (1)  the legislature's policy declarations as to water
  use;
               (2)  the commission's continuing supervision and
  control;
               (3)  the provisions of Section 11.024, Water Code,
  prescribing the priorities of water uses; and
               (4)  the water rights acquired by municipalities and
  other users.
         (b)  The authority shall exercise its powers for the greatest
  practicable measure of the conservation and beneficial use of the
  storm, flood, and unappropriated waters of the watershed of the Red
  River and its tributaries in this state in the manner and for the
  particular purposes specified by this chapter, including the
  exercise of its powers to provide for:
               (1)  the study, correction, and control of both
  artificial and natural pollution of the Red River and its
  tributaries;
               (2)  the control, conservation, and orderly
  development of the watershed and water of the Red River and its
  tributaries in this state through all practical and legal means;
               (3)  the preservation of the equitable rights and
  beneficial use of the waters for the people of the different
  sections of the authority;
               (4)  the storage, control, and conservation of the
  waters of the Red River and its tributaries in this state and the
  prevention of the escape of any of those waters without the maximum
  of public service;
               (5)  the prevention of the devastation of lands from
  recurrent overflows;
               (6)  the protection of life and property in the
  watershed of the Red River and its tributaries from uncontrolled
  flood waters;
               (7)  the conservation of storm, flood, and
  unappropriated waters of the watershed of the Red River and its
  tributaries in this state essential for the beneficial uses of the
  people of that watershed;
               (8)  the better encouragement and development of
  drainage systems and drainage of lands that need drainage for
  profitable agricultural production;
               (9)  the conservation of soil to prevent destructive
  erosion and the increased threat of flooding incident to that
  erosion;
               (10)  the control of those waters and making them
  available for use in the development of commercial, industrial, and
  agricultural enterprises in all sections of the authority; and
               (11)  any purpose for which waters when controlled and
  conserved may be used in the performance of a useful service as
  authorized by the constitution of this state.
         (c)  For purposes of Subsection (b)(1), the authority may:
               (1)  adopt rules with regard to the pollution described
  by that subdivision;
               (2)  engage in policing to enforce those rules; and
               (3)  provide for penalties for violating those rules
  consisting of:
                     (A)  fines not to exceed $1,000;
                     (B)  confinement in the county jail for a period
  not to exceed 30 days; or
                     (C)  both the fine and confinement.
         (d)  The general law pertaining to a water control and
  improvement district, including Chapters 49 and 51, Water Code,
  applies to Subsection (b)(1).
         (e)  The authority may store and conserve to the greatest
  beneficial use the storm, flood, and unappropriated waters of the
  Red River in this state or any tributary of that river in the
  authority to prevent the escape of water without maximum beneficial
  use inside or outside the authority's boundaries. (Acts 56th Leg.,
  R.S., Ch. 279, Secs. 14 (part), 14a (part); New.)
         Sec. 8510.0303.  POWERS REGARDING CANALS, WATERWAYS, AND
  RELATED FACILITIES. (a)  The authority may:
               (1)  promote, construct, maintain and operate, or aid
  and encourage, the construction, maintenance, and operation of
  navigable canals or waterways and all navigational systems or
  facilities auxiliary to navigable canals or waterways using the
  natural bed and banks of the Red River, where practicable, and then
  traversing a route the authority may find to be more feasible and
  practicable to connect the Red River in this state with any new
  navigation canals to be constructed in the lower reaches of the Red
  River or to connect the Red River with the Gulf Intracoastal
  Waterway;
               (2)  construct a system of artificial waterways and
  canals, together with all locks and other works, structures, and
  artificial facilities as may be necessary and convenient for the
  construction, maintenance, and operation of:
                     (A)  navigation canals or waterways; and
                     (B)  all navigational systems and facilities
  auxiliary to navigation canals or waterways; and
               (3)  acquire, improve, extend, take over, construct,
  maintain, repair, operate, develop, and regulate ports, levees,
  wharves, docks, locks, warehouses, grain elevators, dumping
  facilities, belt railways, lands, and all other facilities or aids
  to navigation or aids necessary to the operation or development of
  ports or waterways in the Red River basin in this state.
         (b)  A power described by Subsection (a)(3) applies with
  respect to a facility or aid described by that subdivision only if
  the facility or aid is in a county located inside the authority.
  (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 14a (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0304.  FEDERALLY CONSTRUCTED OR MAINTAINED
  CANALS, WATERWAYS, AND FACILITIES. If the construction or
  maintenance and operation of navigable canals or waterways and all
  navigational systems or facilities auxiliary to navigable canals or
  waterways on the Red River in this state is taken over or performed
  by the federal government or an agency of the federal government,
  then the authority may:
               (1)  enter into contracts that may be required by the
  federal government, including assignments and transfers of
  property, property rights, easements, and privileges; and
               (2)  take any other action required by the federal
  government or an agency of the federal government.  (Acts 56th Leg.,
  R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 14a (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0305.  POWER TO CONTROL, DEVELOP, STORE, AND USE
  WATER FOR NAVIGATIONAL USE. (a) The authority may control,
  develop, store, and use the natural flow and floodwaters of the Red
  River and its tributaries for the purpose of operating and
  maintaining:
               (1)  navigable canals or waterways; and
               (2)  navigational systems or facilities auxiliary to
  navigable canals or waterways.
         (b)  The navigational use of water authorized by Subsection
  (a) is subordinate and incidental to consumptive use of water.
  (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 14a (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0306.  POWERS RELATING TO FLOODING. The authority
  may effectuate channel rectification or alignment and the
  construction, maintenance, and operation of bank stabilization
  facilities to:
               (1)  prevent and aid in preventing devastation of lands
  from recurrent overflows; and
               (2)  protect life and property in the watershed of the
  Red River in this state or any tributaries of that river in the
  authority from uncontrolled floodwaters. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S.,
  Ch. 279, Sec. 14a (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0307.  MASTER PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SOIL AND
  WATER RESOURCES. (a) The authority shall prepare a master plan for
  the maximum development of the soil and water resources of the Red
  River watershed inside the authority.
         (b)  The master plan must include plans for the complete use
  of the water resources of the watershed for all economically
  beneficial purposes.
         (c)  A soil and water conservation district in the Red River
  watershed shall prepare the portion of the master plan and
  amendments to the plan relating to soil conservation, upstream
  flood prevention, and watershed protection works in aid of soil
  conservation and upstream flood prevention, subject to the approval
  of the State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
         (d)  The master plan must be filed with and approved by the
  commission. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 14(k).)
         Sec. 8510.0308.  POWERS RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL
  FACILITIES. (a) The authority may acquire:
               (1)  additional land adjacent to a permanent
  improvement constructed inside the authority for the purpose of
  developing public parks and recreational facilities; and
               (2)  necessary right-of-way for public ingress and
  egress to an area described by Subdivision (1).
         (b)  The authority may provide recreational facilities and
  services and may enter into a contract or agreement with any person
  for the construction, operation, or maintenance of a park or
  recreational facility.
         (c)  The authority may perform a function necessary to
  qualify for a state or federal recreational grant or loan.
         (d)  The legislature intends that the authority coordinate
  the development of any public parks or recreational facilities with
  the Parks and Wildlife Department for conformity with the land and
  water resources conservation and recreation plan. (Acts 56th Leg.,
  R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 14a (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0309.  POWERS RELATING TO WASTE FACILITIES; BONDS.
  (a) As a necessary aid to the conservation, control, preservation,
  and distribution of the water of the Red River and its tributaries
  for beneficial use, the authority may:
               (1)  purchase, construct, improve, repair, operate,
  and maintain works and facilities necessary for the collection,
  transportation, treatment, and disposal of sewage and industrial
  waste and effluent; and
               (2)  issue bonds for a purpose described by Subdivision
  (1).
         (b)  The authority may contract with:
               (1)  a municipality or other entity to collect,
  transport, treat, and dispose of sewage from the municipality or
  entity; and
               (2)  a municipality for the use of collection,
  transportation, treatment, or disposal facilities owned by the
  municipality or by the authority.
         (c)  A bond issued under this section must be:
               (1)  payable from revenue under a contract described by
  this section or from other authority income; and
               (2)  in the form and issued in the manner prescribed by
  law for other revenue bonds and as provided by Sections 8510.0504,
  8510.0505, 8510.0506, 8510.0507, 8510.0508, 8510.0509, 8510.0510,
  8510.0511, and 8510.0512. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 14a
  (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0310.  ADDITIONAL POWERS OF AUTHORITY AND OTHER
  PERSONS; BONDS. (a) In this section, "public agency" means an
  authority, district, municipality, other political subdivision,
  joint board, or other public agency created and operating under the
  laws of this state.
         (b)  The authority and a person may:
               (1)  contract, on terms to which the parties may agree,
  with respect to an authority power, function, or duty; and
               (2)  execute appropriate documents and instruments in
  connection with a contract described by Subdivision (1).
         (c)  The authority may issue bonds in the manner provided by
  Sections 8510.0504, 8510.0505, 8510.0506, 8510.0507, 8510.0508,
  8510.0510, and 8510.0511 with respect to its powers, including the
  powers granted by this section, for the purpose of providing money:
               (1)  to enable the authority to pay for the costs of
  engineering design and studies, surveys, title research,
  appraisals, options on property, and other related matters and
  activities in connection with planning and implementing various
  proposed projects or improvements; and
               (2)  to operate and maintain a facility.
         (d)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter,
  the authority may undertake and carry out any activities, enter
  into loan agreements, leases, or installment sales agreements, and
  acquire, construct, own, operate, maintain, repair, improve, or
  extend and loan, lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of, on terms
  including rentals, sale price, or installment sale payments as the
  parties may agree, at any place or location inside the authority's
  boundaries, any and all money or bond proceeds, works,
  improvements, facilities, plants, buildings, structures,
  equipment, and appliances, and all property or any property
  interest, that is incident, helpful, or necessary.
         (e)  The authority may exercise the powers provided by
  Subsection (d) to:
               (1)  provide for the control, storage, preservation,
  transmission, treatment, distribution, and use of water, including
  storm water, floodwater, and the water of rivers and streams, for
  irrigation, electric energy, flood control, municipal, domestic,
  industrial, agricultural, and commercial uses and purposes and for
  all other beneficial purposes;
               (2)  supply water for municipal, domestic, electric
  energy, industrial, irrigation, oil flooding, mining,
  agricultural, and commercial uses and purposes and for all other
  beneficial uses and purposes;
               (3)  generate, produce, distribute, and sell electric
  energy; and
               (4)  facilitate the carrying out of an authority power,
  duty, or function.
         (f)  The purposes stated by Subsection (e) are for the
  conservation and development of the natural resources of this state
  within the meaning of Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution.
         (g)  A public agency may:
               (1)  impose a fee, rate, charge, rental, or other
  amount, including a water charge, a sewage charge, a solid waste
  disposal system fee and a charge including garbage collection or
  handling fee, or another charge or fee, for a service or facility
  provided by a utility operated by the public agency, or provided
  pursuant to or in connection with a contract with the authority;
               (2)  impose an amount described by Subdivision (1) on
  inhabitants, users, or beneficiaries of the utility, service, or
  facility described by that subdivision; and
               (3)  use or pledge an amount described by Subdivision
  (1) to make a payment to the authority required under the contract
  and may pledge that amount in an amount sufficient to make all or
  any part of the payment to the authority when due.
         (h)  If a public agency and the authority agree in a
  contract, the payment made by the public agency to the authority
  under the contract is an expense of operation of a facility or
  utility operated by the public agency.
         (i)  This section does not compel a person or public agency
  to secure water, sewer service, or another service from the
  authority, except under a voluntarily executed contract. (Acts
  56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Secs. 14b(a)(part), (b), (d), (e), (f),
  (g), (h)(part), (j).)
         Sec. 8510.0311.  POWERS RELATING TO CONTRACTS. (a) The
  authority may execute any contract and enter into any agreement
  necessary to accomplish the purpose for which it was created,
  including a contract with a municipality, corporation, or district,
  the United States, this state or an agency of this state, or the
  state of Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Louisiana, the confines of which
  are contiguous or adjacent to the Red River.
         (b)  The authority may enter into a contract or execute an
  instrument necessary or convenient to the exercise of the
  authority's powers, rights, privileges, and functions granted by
  this chapter and general law pertaining to a water control and
  improvement district. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Secs. 16, 22
  (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0312.  POWERS RELATING TO WATER DISTRIBUTION
  PLANTS OR SYSTEMS. (a) The authority may contract with a
  municipality located inside its boundaries for the purchase, lease,
  use, management, control, or operation of a water distribution
  plant or system owned by the municipality in accordance with the
  terms mutually agreed on by the governing bodies of the authority
  and the municipality.
         (b)  The authority may acquire by a contract described by
  Subsection (a) rights in surface water or groundwater belonging to
  the municipality.
         (c)  The authority may use water rights acquired from a
  municipality under Subsection (b) only for:
               (1)  a purpose for which the municipality would be
  authorized to use them; and
               (2)  the purposes of the municipality's water
  distribution plant or system. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec.
  16a.)
         Sec. 8510.0313.  CONTRACTS FOR SALE AND DELIVERY OF WATER TO
  CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES. The authority may enter into a contract
  necessary to provide for the sale and delivery of water to the City
  of Eldorado, Oklahoma. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 16A.)
         Sec. 8510.0314.  ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY BY GIFT, PURCHASE,
  OR EMINENT DOMAIN. (a) In this section, "property" means property
  of any kind, including a lighter, tug, barge, or other floating
  equipment of any nature.
         (b)  The authority may acquire by gift or purchase property
  or a property interest located inside or outside the authority's
  boundaries necessary to the exercise of the powers, rights,
  privileges, and functions conferred on the authority by this
  chapter and by the exercise of the power of eminent domain in the
  manner provided by Subsection (c), provided that the authority is
  not required to give bond for appeal or bond for costs in a judicial
  proceeding.
         (c)  The authority may exercise the power of eminent domain
  in the manner provided by the general law applicable to a water
  control and improvement district.
         (d)  The authority may not exercise the power of eminent
  domain outside the authority's boundaries.
         (e)  The authority's authority under this section to
  exercise the power of eminent domain expired on September 1, 2013,
  unless the authority submitted a letter to the comptroller in
  accordance with Section 2206.101(b), Government Code, not later
  than December 31, 2012. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Secs. 14a
  (part), 18 (part), 19 (part); New.)
         Sec. 8510.0315.  COST OF RELOCATING OR ALTERING PROPERTY.
  If the authority's exercise of the power of eminent domain, the
  power of relocation, or any other power granted by this chapter
  makes necessary relocating, raising, rerouting, changing the grade
  of, or altering the construction of a highway, railroad, electric
  transmission line, telephone or telegraph property or facility, or
  pipeline, the necessary action shall be accomplished at the
  authority's sole expense. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 18
  (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0316.  ACQUISITION OR OPERATION OF PROPERTY. (a)
  In this section, "property" includes:
               (1)  rights, including surface water rights and
  groundwater rights; and
               (2)  land, tenements, easements, rights-of-way,
  improvements, reservoirs, dams, canals, laterals, plants, works,
  and facilities.
         (b)  The authority may investigate, plan, acquire,
  construct, maintain, or operate any property the authority
  considers necessary or proper to accomplish the purposes for which
  the authority is created.
         (c)  The power described by Subsection (b) includes the power
  to acquire, inside or outside the authority, property and all other
  rights that are incidental or helpful to carrying out the purposes
  for which the authority is created.
         (d)  The authority may purchase groundwater rights only as
  provided by Section 8510.0317.
         (e)  Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section,
  the authority may engage in the generation or distribution of
  electric energy only as provided by Section 8510.0310. (Acts 56th
  Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 19 (part); New.)
         Sec. 8510.0317.  LIMITATION ON PURCHASE OF GROUNDWATER
  RIGHTS. The authority may purchase groundwater rights in a county
  inside the authority's territory only if:
               (1)  there is a groundwater conservation district that
  has jurisdiction over water wells located in the county; or
               (2)  in a county that is not in the jurisdiction of a
  groundwater conservation district, the commissioners court of the
  county approves the purchase of groundwater rights by the authority
  in the county. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 19a.)
         Sec. 8510.0318.  LIMITATION ON POWERS OF AUTHORITY REGARDING
  GROUNDWATER. This chapter does not authorize the authority to:
               (1)  acquire or regulate groundwater or groundwater
  rights by the exercise of the power of eminent domain; or
               (2)  regulate the use of groundwater resources. (Acts
  56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 25.)
         Sec. 8510.0319.  LIMITATION ON POWERS AND DUTIES OF
  AUTHORITY; COMMISSION APPROVAL OF CERTAIN PLANS. (a) The
  authority's powers and duties under this chapter are subject to all
  legislative declarations of public policy in the maximum use of the
  waters of the authority's watersheds for the purposes for which the
  authority was created.
         (b)  The commission shall consider the adequacy and
  feasibility of, and approve or refuse to approve, each flood
  control or conservation plan that is devised to achieve a purpose
  for which the authority was created. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch.
  279, Sec. 15 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0320.  LIMITATION ON POWER TO MANUFACTURE AND
  PRODUCE GASOHOL. The authority may manufacture and produce gasohol
  only:
               (1)  to operate the authority's equipment in an
  emergency as determined by the authority's general manager; and
               (2)  on obtaining any necessary authorization required
  by law. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 14c(a).)
         Sec. 8510.0321.  SEAL. The authority may use a corporate
  seal. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 22 (part).)
  SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 8510.0401.  PROCEDURE FOR PAYMENT. A warrant for the
  payment of money by the authority may be drawn and signed by two
  authority officers or employees, as designated by a standing order
  entered in the authority's minutes, if the account has been
  contracted and ordered paid by the board. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S.,
  Ch. 279, Sec. 5 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0402.  RECEIPT OF MONEY. The treasurer shall
  receive and give a receipt for all money received and spent by the
  authority. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 7 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0403.  FISCAL YEAR. The authority's fiscal year
  ends September 30 of each year. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279,
  Sec. 9 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0404.  FILING OF AUDIT REPORT. A copy of the audit
  report prepared under Subchapter G, Chapter 49, Water Code, shall
  be filed:
               (1)  as required by Section 49.194, Water Code; and
               (2)  in the office of the auditor. (Acts 56th Leg.,
  R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 9 (part); New.)
         Sec. 8510.0405.  ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN. (a) In this
  section, "system" means a system for the:
               (1)  provision of water to the public for human
  consumption; or
               (2)  collection and treatment of wastewater.
         (b)  The authority shall adopt an asset management plan by:
               (1)  preparing an asset inventory that identifies the
  assets of each system and the condition of the assets;
               (2)  developing criteria to prioritize assets for
  repair or replacement, including:
                     (A)  the date by which the asset will need to be
  repaired or replaced;
                     (B)  the importance of the asset in providing safe
  drinking water and complying with regulatory standards;
                     (C)  the importance of the asset to the effective
  operation of the system; and
                     (D)  other criteria as determined by the
  authority;
               (3)  estimating asset repair and replacement costs;
               (4)  identifying and evaluating potential financing
  options; and
               (5)  prioritizing systems that are not in compliance
  with federal or state regulatory standards, including water quality
  standards.
         (c)  The authority shall review and revise the plan as
  necessary to account for regulatory changes and other developments.
         (d)  The board shall approve the plan annually as part of its
  budgeting process. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 14e.)
         Sec. 8510.0406.  RATES AND CHARGES. (a) The authority shall
  impose rates and other charges for the sale or use of water or for
  services sold, provided, or supplied by the authority.
         (b)  The rates and other charges must be reasonable and
  nondiscriminatory but sufficient to provide revenue adequate to:
               (1)  pay the authority's expenses in carrying out the
  functions for which it is created; and
               (2)  fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the
  holders of any of the authority's obligations. (Acts 56th Leg.,
  R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 20 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0407.  CHANGES TO RATES AND CHARGES. (a) In this
  section, "affected person" has the meaning assigned by Section
  13.002, Water Code.
         (b)  The board shall establish a process to ensure that,
  before the authority makes a significant change to a rate or charge
  for the sale and use of water, affected persons are provided:
               (1)  notice of the proposed change; and
               (2)  an opportunity to provide to the board comments
  regarding the proposed change.
         (c)  The process established under Subsection (b) must
  include:
               (1)  the provision of notice of a proposed change:
                     (A)  on the authority's website; and
                     (B)  in an affected person's utility bills; and
               (2)  appropriate informational meetings or rate
  hearings that provide affected persons the opportunity to provide
  public comments about the proposed change to be held:
                     (A)  before sending a statement of intent required
  under Chapter 13, Water Code;
                     (B)  in locations as necessary to enable affected
  persons to attend; and
                     (C)  after the provision of notice under
  Subdivision (1).
         (d)  The board by rule shall establish a percentage change in
  a rate or charge such that a change greater than or equal to that
  percentage is considered significant for purposes of Subsection
  (b). (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 20a (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0408.  NOTICE OF RIGHT TO APPEAL CHANGES TO RATES.
  (a)  In this section, "affected person" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 13.002, Water Code.
         (b)  The authority shall notify affected persons of their
  right to appeal changes to rates:
               (1)  in notices related to changes to rates;
               (2)  in utility bills sent before the deadline for
  initiating an appeal under Chapter 13, Water Code; and
               (3)  on the authority's website.
         (c)  The notice required by Subsection (b) must include
  descriptions of:
               (1)  the appeals process;
               (2)  the requirements for an appeal, including the
  number of signatures needed on a petition; and
               (3)  the methods available for obtaining additional
  information related to rates. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Secs.
  20a (part), 20b.)
         Sec. 8510.0409.  DEPOSITORY. (a) The board shall designate
  one or more banks in the authority to serve as depository for the
  authority's money.
         (b)  Authority money shall be deposited in a depository,
  except that:
               (1)  money pledged to pay bonds may be deposited with
  the trustee bank named in the trust agreement; and
               (2)  money shall be remitted to the bank of payment for
  the payment of the principal of and interest on bonds. (Acts 56th
  Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 23 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0410.  TAX NOT AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER. This
  chapter does not authorize the authority to impose any form of tax
  inside the authority. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 24.)
  SUBCHAPTER E. BORROWED MONEY OR GRANTS
         Sec. 8510.0501.  POWER TO ISSUE OBLIGATIONS OR WARRANTS.
  The authority may issue obligations or warrants to obtain money.
  (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 21 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0502.  LOANS AND GRANTS. The authority may:
               (1)  borrow money for its corporate purposes; and
               (2)  borrow money or accept a grant from the United
  States, this state, or any other source, and in connection with the
  loan or grant, enter into any agreement or assume any obligation as
  may be required. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 22 (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0503.  POWER TO SEEK AND ACCEPT CONTRIBUTIONS.
  (a) The authority may seek and accept from any source a contribution
  to an authority fund for the purpose of funding:
               (1)  necessary studies;
               (2)  engineering and other services; and
               (3)  the collection and computation of data respecting
  regional and general conditions that influence the character and
  extent of the improvements necessary to effect the authority's
  purposes to the greatest public advantage.
         (b)  A grant or gratuity shall be strictly accounted for and
  is subject to the same rules and orders applicable to other money
  the authority handles or disburses. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279,
  Sec. 17.)
         Sec. 8510.0504.  POWER TO ISSUE BONDS. (a)  The authority
  may issue bonds as authorized by this chapter for the purpose of
  providing money for any purpose authorized by this chapter.
         (b)  The authority, without an election, may issue bonds
  payable from the authority's revenue pledged by board resolution.
         (c)  The bonds must be authorized by a board resolution.
  (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Secs. 26(a), (b) (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0505.  FORM OF BONDS. Authority bonds must be:
               (1)  issued in the authority's name;
               (2)  signed by the president or vice president; and
               (3)  attested by the secretary. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S.,
  Ch. 279, Sec. 26(b) (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0506.  MATURITY. Authority bonds must mature not
  later than 50 years after the date of their issuance. (Acts 56th
  Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 26(b) (part).)
         Sec. 8510.0507.  BONDS PAYABLE FROM REVENUE. (a)  In this
  section, "net revenue" means the authority's gross revenue less the
  amount necessary to pay the cost of maintaining and operating the
  authority and the authority's property.
         (b)  Authority bonds may be secured by a pledge of:
               (1)  all or part of the authority's net revenue;
               (2)  the net revenue of a contract entered into at any
  time; or
               (3)  other revenue specified by board resolution.
         (c)  The pledge may reserve the right to issue additional
  bonds on a parity with or subordinate to the bonds being issued,
  subject to conditions specified by the pledge. (Acts 56th Leg.,
  R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 26(d).)
         Sec. 8510.0508.  COMPENSATION RATES. (a)  The board shall
  set and revise the rates of compensation for:
               (1)  water the authority sells; and
               (2)  services the authority renders.
         (b)  The rates of compensation must be sufficient to:
               (1)  pay the expense of operating and maintaining the
  authority's facilities;
               (2)  pay the bonds as they mature and the interest as it
  accrues; and
               (3)  maintain the reserve and other funds as provided
  in the resolution authorizing the bonds. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch.
  279, Sec. 26(e).)
         Sec. 8510.0509.  ADDITIONAL SECURITY. (a)  Authority bonds,
  including refunding bonds, may be additionally secured by a deed of
  trust lien on the authority's physical property and all franchises,
  easements, water rights and appropriation permits, leases, and
  contracts, and all rights related to the property, vesting in the
  trustee power to:
               (1)  sell the property for payment of the debt;
               (2)  operate the property; and
               (3)  take other action to further secure the bonds.
         (b)  The deed of trust may:
               (1)  contain any provision the board prescribes to
  secure the bonds and preserve the trust estate;
               (2)  provide for amendment or modification of the deed
  of trust; and
               (3)  provide for the issuance of bonds to replace lost
  or mutilated bonds.
         (c)  A purchaser under a sale under the deed of trust is the
  owner of the dam and other property and facilities purchased and is
  entitled to maintain and operate the property and facilities, if
  the authority forfeits or defaults. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279,
  Sec. 28.)
         Sec. 8510.0510.  USE OF BOND PROCEEDS. (a)  The authority
  may set aside an amount of proceeds from the sale of authority bonds
  for the payment of interest expected to accrue during construction
  and a reserve interest and sinking fund. The resolution
  authorizing the bonds may provide for setting aside and using the
  proceeds as provided by this subsection.
         (b)  The authority may use proceeds from the sale of the
  bonds to pay any expense necessarily incurred in accomplishing the
  authority's purposes. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 26(f).)
         Sec. 8510.0511.  APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER. (a)  On default or
  threatened default in the payment of the principal of or interest on
  authority bonds, a court may appoint a receiver for the authority on
  petition of the holders of 25 percent of the outstanding bonds of
  the issue in default or threatened with default.
         (b)  The receiver may collect and receive all authority
  income, employ and discharge authority agents and employees, take
  charge of money on hand, and manage the authority's proprietary
  affairs without the board's consent or hindrance.
         (c)  The receiver may be authorized to sell or contract for
  the sale of water or to renew those contracts with the approval of
  the court that appointed the receiver.
         (d)  The court may vest the receiver with any other power or
  duty the court finds necessary to protect the bondholders. (Acts
  56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 26(g).)
         Sec. 8510.0512.  REFUNDING BONDS. (a)  The authority may
  issue refunding bonds to refund outstanding authority bonds and
  interest on those bonds.
         (b)  Refunding bonds may:
               (1)  be issued to refund bonds of more than one series;
               (2)  combine the pledges for the outstanding bonds for
  the security of the refunding bonds; or
               (3)  be secured by a pledge of other or additional
  revenue.
         (c)  The provisions of this subchapter regarding the
  issuance of other bonds and the remedies of the holders apply to
  refunding bonds.
         (d)  The comptroller shall register the refunding bonds on
  surrender and cancellation of the bonds to be refunded.
         (e)  Instead of issuing bonds to be registered on the
  surrender and cancellation of the bonds to be refunded, the
  authority, in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the
  refunding bonds, may provide for the sale of the refunding bonds and
  the deposit of the proceeds in a bank at which the bonds to be
  refunded are payable. In that case, the refunding bonds may be
  issued in an amount sufficient to pay the interest on the bonds to
  be refunded to their option date or maturity date, and the
  comptroller shall register the refunding bonds without the
  concurrent surrender and cancellation of the bonds to be refunded.
  (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 279, Sec. 27.)
  CHAPTER 8511. NUECES RIVER AUTHORITY
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Sec. 8511.0101.  DEFINITIONS 
  Sec. 8511.0102.  NATURE OF AUTHORITY 
  Sec. 8511.0103.  PURPOSE OF CHAPTER 
  Sec. 8511.0104.  REVIEW SCHEDULE UNDER SUNSET ACT 
  Sec. 8511.0105.  TERRITORY 
  Sec. 8511.0106.  LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER 
  SUBCHAPTER B. BOARD OF DIRECTORS; ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
  Sec. 8511.0201.  MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD 
  Sec. 8511.0202.  TERMS 
  Sec. 8511.0203.  REMOVAL 
  Sec. 8511.0204.  VACANCY 
  Sec. 8511.0205.  BYLAWS 
  Sec. 8511.0206.  BOND REQUIREMENT FOR DIRECTORS 
  Sec. 8511.0207.  COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS 
  Sec. 8511.0208.  OFFICERS 
  Sec. 8511.0209.  COMMITTEES 
  Sec. 8511.0210.  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
  Sec. 8511.0211.  DIRECTOR TRAINING PROGRAM 
  Sec. 8511.0212.  INTEREST IN CONTRACT 
  Sec. 8511.0213.  SEPARATION OF POLICYMAKING AND
                    MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS 
  Sec. 8511.0214.  PUBLIC TESTIMONY 
  Sec. 8511.0215.  DIRECTORS' AND EMPLOYEES' FIDELITY
                    BONDS 
  Sec. 8511.0216.  AUTHORITY'S OFFICE 
  Sec. 8511.0217.  COMPLAINTS 
  Sec. 8511.0218.  ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
                    PROCEDURES 
  Sec. 8511.0219.  FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 
  SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES
  Sec. 8511.0301.  GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES 
  Sec. 8511.0302.  CONTROL AND USE OF WATERS 
  Sec. 8511.0303.  USE OF BED AND BANKS OF NUECES RIVER
                    AND ITS TRIBUTARIES 
  Sec. 8511.0304.  MASTER PLAN 
  Sec. 8511.0305.  WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM 
  Sec. 8511.0306.  FORESTATION AND REFORESTATION 
  Sec. 8511.0307.  GROUNDWATER 
  Sec. 8511.0308.  WATER QUALITY CONTROL 
  Sec. 8511.0309.  SOLID WASTE SERVICES 
  Sec. 8511.0310.  APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL
                    LAWS 
  Sec. 8511.0311.  PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES 
  Sec. 8511.0312.  PERMITS AND LICENSES 
  Sec. 8511.0313.  SERVICE CONTRACTS AND CHARGES 
  Sec. 8511.0314.  USE OF REVENUE AND PROPERTY 
  Sec. 8511.0315.  ACQUISITION, MAINTENANCE, AND
                    OPERATION OF PROPERTY 
  Sec. 8511.0316.  ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION,
                    MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATION OF
                    FACILITIES 
  Sec. 8511.0317.  EMINENT DOMAIN 
  Sec. 8511.0318.  COST OF RELOCATING OR ALTERING
                    PROPERTY 
  Sec. 8511.0319.  DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY 
  Sec. 8511.0320.  GENERAL CONTRACT POWERS 
  Sec. 8511.0321.  AWARD OF CERTAIN CONTRACTS 
  Sec. 8511.0322.  CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS: PAYMENT 
  Sec. 8511.0323.  CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN CERTAIN
                    CONTRACTS 
  Sec. 8511.0324.  SURVEYS AND ENGINEERING INVESTIGATIONS 
  Sec. 8511.0325.  PLANS 
  Sec. 8511.0326.  ACCESS TO AUTHORITY PROPERTY 
  Sec. 8511.0327.  LIMITATIONS ON POWERS AND DUTIES;
                    COMMISSION APPROVAL OF CERTAIN PLANS 
  SUBCHAPTER D. REGULATORY POWERS; ENFORCEMENT AND COURT REVIEW
  PROVISIONS
  Sec. 8511.0401.  ADOPTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF RULES 
  Sec. 8511.0402.  CIVIL PENALTY; INJUNCTIVE RELIEF 
  Sec. 8511.0403.  COURT REVIEW 
  SUBCHAPTER E. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
  Sec. 8511.0501.  DISBURSEMENT OF MONEY 
  Sec. 8511.0502.  ACCOUNTS, CONTRACTS, AND OTHER
                    RECORDS; PUBLIC INSPECTION 
  Sec. 8511.0503.  FEES AND CHARGES 
  Sec. 8511.0504.  TRUST MONEY 
  Sec. 8511.0505.  DEPOSITORY 
  Sec. 8511.0506.  INVESTMENT OF AUTHORITY MONEY;
                    APPLICATION OF INCOME FROM
                    INVESTMENTS 
  Sec. 8511.0507.  FISCAL YEAR 
  Sec. 8511.0508.  AUDIT 
  SUBCHAPTER F. TAX PROVISIONS
  Sec. 8511.0601.  MAINTENANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TAX 
  Sec. 8511.0602.  ELECTION FOR AD VALOREM TAX OR BONDS
                    PAYABLE FROM AD VALOREM TAXES 
  Sec. 8511.0603.  ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF TAXES 
  Sec. 8511.0604.  MAXIMUM TAX RATE 
  Sec. 8511.0605.  POWERS RELATING TO IMPROVEMENTS
                    PECULIAR TO DEFINED AREA 
  SUBCHAPTER G. BONDS, BORROWED MONEY, AND GRANTS
  Sec. 8511.0701.  BORROWING MONEY; GRANTS 
  Sec. 8511.0702.  POWER TO APPLY FOR MONEY FOR
                    ENGINEERING SURVEYS, INFORMATION
                    COMPILATION AND COLLECTION, AND
                    OTHER PURPOSES 
  Sec. 8511.0703.  POWER TO ISSUE BONDS 
  Sec. 8511.0704.  FORM OF BONDS 
  Sec. 8511.0705.  MATURITY 
  Sec. 8511.0706.  ELECTION FOR BONDS PAYABLE FROM AD
                    VALOREM TAXES 
  Sec. 8511.0707.  TRUST INDENTURE 
  Sec. 8511.0708.  ADDITIONAL BONDS 
  Sec. 8511.0709.  ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS IN RESOLUTION
                    AUTHORIZING BONDS OR TRUST INDENTURE 
  Sec. 8511.0710.  REFUNDING BONDS 
  CHAPTER 8511. NUECES RIVER AUTHORITY
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 8511.0101.  DEFINITIONS. Unless the context otherwise
  requires, in this chapter:
               (1)  "Authority" means the Nueces River Authority.
               (2)  "Board" means the authority's board of directors.
               (3)  "Commission" means the Texas Commission on
  Environmental Quality.
               (4)  "Development board" means the Texas Water
  Development Board.
               (5)  "Director" means a board member.
               (6)  "State" means the State of Texas or any of its
  agencies, departments, boards, political subdivisions, or other
  entities.
               (7)  "Waste" means sewage, industrial waste, municipal
  waste, recreational waste, agricultural waste, waste heat, solid
  waste, or any other waste. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427,
  Secs. 1.02(1), (2), (4), (6), (7), (8); New.)
         Sec. 8511.0102.  NATURE OF AUTHORITY. (a) The authority is:
               (1)  a conservation and reclamation district under
  Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution; and
               (2)  a municipality.
         (b)  The authority's creation is essential to accomplish the
  purposes of Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution. (Acts
  44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 2.01 (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0103.  PURPOSE OF CHAPTER. The purpose of this
  chapter is to provide by the means and in the manner authorized in
  this chapter for the conservation and development of this state's
  natural resources inside the Nueces River Basin, including:
               (1)  the control, storage, preservation, and
  distribution of this state's water for domestic and municipal uses,
  industrial uses, irrigation, mining and recovery of minerals, stock
  raising, underground water recharge, electric power generation,
  navigation, recreation and pleasure, and other beneficial uses and
  purposes;
               (2)  the reclamation and irrigation of arid, semiarid,
  and other land needing irrigation;
               (3)  the reclamation and drainage of overflowed land
  and other land needing drainage;
               (4)  the maintenance and enhancement of the quality of
  the water in the Nueces River Basin;
               (5)  the conservation and development of the forests,
  water, and hydroelectric power;
               (6)  the navigation of inland and coastal water; and
               (7)  the provision of systems, facilities, and
  procedures for the collection, transportation, handling,
  treatment, and disposal of waste. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch.
  427, Sec. 1.01.)
         Sec. 8511.0104.  REVIEW SCHEDULE UNDER SUNSET ACT. A review
  of the authority under Section 325.025, Government Code, shall be
  conducted as if the authority were a state agency scheduled to be
  abolished September 1, 2031, and every 12th year after that year.
  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 1.02A(a) (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0105.  TERRITORY. (a)  The authority is composed
  of the territory described by Section 2.02(a), Chapter 427, Acts of
  the 44th Legislature, 1st Called Session, 1935, as that territory
  may have been modified under:
               (1)  Subsection (c) or its predecessor statute, Section
  2.02(c), Chapter 427, Acts of the 44th Legislature, 1st Called
  Session, 1935;
               (2)  Subchapter J, Chapter 49, Water Code; or
               (3)  other law.
         (b)  The board shall record in the authority's minutes the
  written description of the boundaries in Section 2.02(a), Chapter
  427, Acts of the 44th Legislature, 1st Called Session, 1935.
         (c)  If the directors find any land included in the field
  notes, other than land in San Patricio, Nueces, and Jim Wells
  Counties, that is not actually included in the watershed of the
  Nueces River, the board shall exclude the land from the authority
  and file a certificate of exclusion with the county clerk of the
  county in which the land is located. The certificate of exclusion
  must describe the boundaries of the land excluded so that the land
  remaining in the authority may be adequately identified.
         (d)  The boundaries and field notes of the authority form a
  closure. A mistake in the field notes or in copying the field notes
  in the legislative process does not affect:
               (1)  the authority's organization, existence, or
  validity;
               (2)  the authority's right to issue any type of bond for
  a purpose for which the authority is created or to pay the principal
  of or interest on the bond;
               (3)  the right to impose a tax; or
               (4)  the legality or operation of the authority or its
  governing body. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Secs. 2.02(b),
  (c); Acts 64th Leg., R.S., Ch. 699, Sec. 5; Acts 69th Leg., R.S.,
  Ch. 665, Sec. 3; New.)
         Sec. 8511.0106.  LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER. This
  chapter shall be liberally construed to achieve its purposes.
  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 1.03 (part).)
  SUBCHAPTER B. BOARD OF DIRECTORS; ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
         Sec. 8511.0201.  MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD. (a)  The board
  consists of 21 directors appointed by the governor with the advice
  and consent of the senate.
         (b)  Each director must be a qualified voter and a resident
  of a county that is wholly or partly inside the authority as
  described by Section 2.02(a), Chapter 427, Acts of the 44th
  Legislature, 1st Called Session, 1935.
         (c)  Four directors must be residents of Nueces County.  Two
  directors must be residents of San Patricio County.   Two directors
  must be residents of Jim Wells County.
         (d)  Not more than four persons who reside in Nueces County
  and not more than two persons who reside in any other county that is
  wholly or partly inside the authority may be appointed to or serve
  on the board at the same time. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427,
  Secs. 2.03(a), (b).)
         Sec. 8511.0202.  TERMS. Directors serve staggered terms of
  six years, with one-third of the directors taking office February 1
  of each odd-numbered year. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec.
  2.03(c).)
         Sec. 8511.0203.  REMOVAL. (a)  The governor may remove a
  director from office for:
               (1)  inefficiency;
               (2)  neglect of duty;
               (3)  misconduct in office; or
               (4)  absence from three consecutive regular board
  meetings.
         (b)  Before a director is removed from office, the board
  shall conduct a hearing on the charges against the director, and the
  director is entitled to appear at the hearing and present evidence
  to show why the director should not be removed from office.
         (c)  At least 30 days before the date of the hearing, the
  director shall be given notice of:
               (1)  the charges against the director; and
               (2)  the time and place for the hearing.
         (d)  An affirmative vote of not fewer than 11 of the
  directors is required to approve a removal recommendation.
         (e)  A removal recommendation shall be forwarded to the
  governor for the governor's consideration and action in accordance
  with this section. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec.
  2.03(f).)
         Sec. 8511.0204.  VACANCY. A board vacancy shall be filled in
  the manner provided by Section 8511.0201 for making the original
  appointment. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 2.03(e).)
         Sec. 8511.0205.  BYLAWS. The board shall adopt necessary
  bylaws for the conduct of the authority's business. (Acts 44th
  Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 2.03(h).)
         Sec. 8511.0206.  BOND REQUIREMENT FOR DIRECTORS. (a)  As a
  qualification for office, a director must execute a bond in an
  amount determined by the board conditioned on the faithful
  performance of the director's duties.
         (b)  The authority shall pay the premiums on the bond. (Acts
  44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Secs. 2.03(d), 2.08(b) (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0207.  COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS. (a) A director
  is entitled to receive an allowance in an amount not to exceed that
  provided under Section 49.060, Water Code.
         (b)  A director is not entitled to receive a per diem
  allowance for more than 50 days in a calendar year.
         (c)  In all areas of conflict with this section, Section
  49.060, Water Code, takes precedence.  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S.,
  Ch. 427, Sec. 2.05.)
         Sec. 8511.0208.  OFFICERS. (a)  The governor shall
  designate a director as board president to serve in that capacity at
  the governor's pleasure.
         (b)  The board shall elect one or more vice presidents, a
  secretary, a treasurer, and any other officers as the directors may
  determine in the bylaws or otherwise.
         (c)  Each vice president, the secretary, and the treasurer
  must be a director, but other officers are not required to be
  directors.
         (d)  The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined,
  and the offices of assistant secretary and assistant treasurer may
  be combined.  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 2.03(i).)
         Sec. 8511.0209.  COMMITTEES. (a)  The board may appoint or
  establish an executive committee and appoint or provide for the
  appointment of other committees as necessary or desirable to assist
  in conducting the authority's business.
         (b)  Subject to the applicable rules of law on delegation of
  powers, the board may assign or delegate or provide for the
  assignment or delegation of any powers, duties, and functions to
  its committees as the board may prescribe.
         (c)  A committee member who is not a director may not vote on
  a matter coming before the committee unless specifically authorized
  by the board to do so. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec.
  2.06.)
         Sec. 8511.0210.  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. (a)  The board may
  employ an executive director and set the executive director's
  salary and other compensation by a majority vote of all the
  qualified directors.
         (b)  The executive director is the authority's chief
  executive officer.
         (c)  Under policies the board and the executive committee
  establish, the executive director is responsible to the board and
  the executive committee for:
               (1)  administering the directives of the board and the
  executive committee;
               (2)  keeping the authority's records, including minutes
  of meetings of the board and the executive committee;
               (3)  coordinating with state, federal, and local
  agencies;
               (4)  developing plans and programs for the approval of
  the board or the executive committee;
               (5)  hiring, supervising, training, and discharging
  the authority's employees, as authorized by the board or the
  executive committee;
               (6)  contracting for or retaining technical,
  scientific, legal, fiscal, and other professional services, as
  authorized by the board or the executive committee; and
               (7)  performing any other duties assigned to the
  executive director by the board or the executive committee.
         (d)  The board may discharge the executive director by a
  majority vote of all the qualified directors. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st
  C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 2.07.)
         Sec. 8511.0211.  DIRECTOR TRAINING PROGRAM. (a)  A person
  who is appointed to and qualifies for office as a director may not
  vote, deliberate, or be counted as a director in attendance at a
  board meeting until the person completes a training program that
  complies with this section.
         (b)  The training program must provide the person with
  information regarding:
               (1)  the law governing authority operations;
               (2)  the authority's programs, functions, rules, and
  budget;
               (3)  the results of the authority's most recent formal
  audit;
               (4)  the requirements of:
                     (A)  laws relating to open meetings, public
  information, administrative procedure, and disclosure of conflicts
  of interest; and
                     (B)  other laws applicable to members of the
  governing body of a river authority in performing their duties; and
               (5)  any applicable ethics policies adopted by the
  authority or the Texas Ethics Commission.
         (c)  A person appointed to the board is entitled to
  reimbursement for the travel expenses incurred in attending the
  training program regardless of whether the attendance at the
  program occurs before or after the person qualifies for office.
         (d)  The executive director shall create a training manual
  that includes the information required by Subsection (b).  The
  executive director shall distribute a copy of the training manual
  annually to each director.  Each director shall sign and submit to
  the executive director a statement acknowledging that the director
  has received and reviewed the training manual.  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st
  C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 2.03A.)
         Sec. 8511.0212.  INTEREST IN CONTRACT. (a)  A director who
  is financially interested in a contract to be executed by the
  authority for the purchase, sale, lease, rental, or supply of
  property, including supplies, materials, and equipment, or the
  construction of facilities shall disclose that fact to the other
  directors and may not vote on or participate in discussions during
  board meetings on the acceptance of the contract.
         (b)  An interest described by Subsection (a) does not affect
  the validity of a contract if the disclosure is made and the
  interested director does not vote on the question of entering into
  the contract. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 2.04.)
         Sec. 8511.0213.  SEPARATION OF POLICYMAKING AND MANAGEMENT
  FUNCTIONS. The board shall develop and implement policies that
  clearly separate the board's policymaking responsibilities and the
  executive director's and staff's management responsibilities.  
  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 2.08A.)
         Sec. 8511.0214.  PUBLIC TESTIMONY. (a)  The board shall
  develop and implement policies that provide the public with a
  reasonable opportunity to appear before the board and to speak on
  any issue under the authority's jurisdiction.
         (b)  At each regular board meeting, the board shall include
  public testimony as a meeting agenda item and allow members of the
  public to comment on other agenda items and other matters under the
  authority's jurisdiction. The board may not deliberate on or decide
  a matter not included in the meeting agenda, except that the board
  may discuss including the matter on the agenda for a subsequent
  meeting. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 2.06A.)
         Sec. 8511.0215.  DIRECTORS' AND EMPLOYEES' FIDELITY BONDS.
  (a)  The executive director, the treasurer, and each of the
  authority's officers, agents, or employees who is charged with the
  collection, custody, or payment of authority money shall execute a
  fidelity bond.
         (b)  The board must approve the bond's form, amount, and
  surety.
         (c)  The authority shall pay the premiums on the bond. (Acts
  44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Secs. 2.08(a), (b) (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0216.  AUTHORITY'S OFFICE. The authority shall
  maintain its principal office inside its boundaries. (Acts 44th
  Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 2.09.)
         Sec. 8511.0217.  COMPLAINTS. (a)  The authority shall
  maintain a system to act promptly and efficiently on complaints
  filed with the authority.
         (b)  The authority shall maintain information about:
               (1)  the parties to the complaint;
               (2)  the subject matter of the complaint;
               (3)  a summary of the results of the review or
  investigation of the complaint; and
               (4)  the complaint's disposition.
         (c)  The authority shall periodically notify the parties to
  the complaint of the complaint's status until final disposition.
         (d)  The authority shall make information available
  describing its procedures for complaint investigation and
  resolution.  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.27.)
         Sec. 8511.0218.  ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES.
  (a)  The board shall develop a policy to encourage the use of
  appropriate alternative dispute resolution procedures under
  Chapter 2009, Government Code, to assist in the resolution of
  internal and external disputes under the authority's jurisdiction.
         (b)  The authority's procedures relating to alternative
  dispute resolution must conform, to the extent possible, to any
  model guidelines issued by the State Office of Administrative
  Hearings for the use of alternative dispute resolution by state
  agencies.
         (c)  The authority shall:
               (1)  coordinate the implementation of the policy
  adopted under Subsection (a);
               (2)  provide training as needed to implement the
  procedures for alternative dispute resolution; and
               (3)  collect data concerning the effectiveness of those
  procedures.  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.18A.)
         Sec. 8511.0219.  FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN. (a)  The
  authority shall adopt and promptly publish on the authority's
  Internet website a written strategic plan that:
               (1)  sets the authority's goals for the following five
  years;
               (2)  establishes the authority's mission; and
               (3)  describes the anticipated activities that the
  authority will perform in the Nueces River Basin over the following
  five years.
         (b)  The authority shall update the strategic plan regularly
  and publish the updated versions of the plan on the authority's
  Internet website. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.28.)
  SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES
         Sec. 8511.0301.  GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. (a)  The
  authority shall:
               (1)  administer this chapter; and
               (2)  use its facilities and powers to accomplish the
  purposes of this chapter.
         (b)  The authority may:
               (1)  exercise the powers, rights, privileges, and
  functions in this chapter;
               (2)  exercise all powers, rights, and privileges
  necessary or convenient for accomplishing the purposes of this
  chapter; and
               (3)  perform any other act necessary or convenient to
  the exercise of the powers, rights, privileges, or functions
  conferred by this chapter or other laws.
         (c)  The board may provide for any expenditures it considers
  essential or useful in the authority's maintenance, operation, and
  administration. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Secs. 2.01
  (part), 3.01(a), (b), 3.24.)
         Sec. 8511.0302.  CONTROL AND USE OF WATERS. (a)  The
  authority may exercise power over the storm water and floodwater of
  the Nueces River Basin.
         (b)  The authority may exercise the powers of control and use
  of this state's water in the following manner and for the following
  purposes:
               (1)  to provide for the control and coordination of
  water use in the Nueces River Basin as a unit;
               (2)  to provide for the preservation of the rights of
  the people of the different sections of the Nueces River Basin in
  the beneficial use of water by adequate organization and
  administration;
               (3)  to provide for conserving storm water, floodwater,
  and unappropriated flow water of the Nueces River Basin, including
  the storage, control, transportation, treatment, and distribution
  of that water, and the prevention of the escape of any of that water
  without the maximum of public service;
               (4)  to provide for the prevention of the devastation
  of land from recurrent overflows;
               (5)  to provide for the protection of life and property
  in the Nueces River Basin from uncontrolled floodwater;
               (6)  to provide for the conservation of water essential
  for domestic and other water uses of the people of the Nueces River
  Basin, including all necessary water supplies for municipalities
  and industrial districts;
               (7)  to provide for the irrigation of land in the Nueces
  River Basin where irrigation is required for agricultural purposes
  or may be considered helpful to more profitable agricultural
  production;
               (8)  to provide for the equitable distribution of storm
  water, floodwater, and unappropriated flow water to meet the
  regional potential requirements for all uses;
               (9)  to provide for the encouragement and development
  of drainage systems and provisions for the drainage of land in the
  valleys of the Nueces River and its tributary streams needing
  drainage for profitable agricultural and livestock production and
  industrial activities and the drainage of other land in the
  authority's watershed area requiring drainage for the most
  advantageous use;
               (10)  to provide for the conservation of soil against
  destructive erosion to prevent the increased flood menace incident
  to erosion;
               (11)  to control and make available for use storm
  water, floodwater, and unappropriated flow water as may be
  authorized by the commission in the development of commercial and
  industrial enterprises in all sections of the authority's watershed
  area;
               (12)  to provide for the control, storage, and use of
  storm water, floodwater, and unappropriated flow water in the
  development and distribution of hydroelectric power, if that use
  may be economically coordinated with other and superior uses and
  subordinated to the uses declared by law to be superior; and
               (13)  to provide for each purpose and use for which
  storm water, floodwater, and unappropriated flow water when
  controlled and conserved may be used in the performance of a useful
  service as contemplated and authorized by the provisions of the
  constitution and statutes.
         (c)  The authority may:
               (1)  control, store, and preserve the water of the
  Nueces River and its tributaries inside the authority's boundaries
  for a useful purpose;
               (2)  use, distribute, and sell the water for a
  beneficial purpose inside and outside the authority; and
               (3)  acquire water and water rights inside and outside
  the authority.
         (d)  All plans and works provided by the authority and all
  works that may be provided under the authority's authorization
  should have primary regard to the necessity and potential needs for
  water by or in the respective areas constituting the watershed of
  the Nueces River and its tributary streams. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st
  C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.02.)
         Sec. 8511.0303.  USE OF BED AND BANKS OF NUECES RIVER AND ITS
  TRIBUTARIES. Subject to the commission's approval, the authority
  may use the bed and banks of the Nueces River and its tributary
  streams for any purpose necessary to accomplish the authority's
  plans for storing, controlling, conserving, transporting, and
  distributing storm water, floodwater, and appropriated flow waters
  for useful purposes. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec.
  3.21.)
         Sec. 8511.0304.  MASTER PLAN. (a) The authority shall
  prepare and file with the commission a master plan for the maximum
  development of the soil and water resources of the entire Nueces
  River watershed, including plans for the complete use, for all
  economically beneficial purposes, of the watershed's water
  resources. The authority may amend the master plan as appropriate
  to accomplish the purposes of this section.
         (b)  After the master plan or any amendments to the plan have
  been filed with the commission, notice of the application of any
  person who desires to acquire the right to use state water that is
  in the Nueces River watershed shall be provided to the authority.
  After public hearing as provided by law, the commission may grant or
  deny the proposed application in the manner required by law,
  notwithstanding any contrary provision of the master plan or any
  amendments to the plan.
         (c)  Each work constructed by the authority shall be
  constructed and operated in a manner that, in the greatest
  practicable degree, conforms to the master plan and any amendments
  to the plan.
         (d)  This section may not be construed to interfere with any
  improvement of the Nueces River or its tributaries or with a grant
  or loan in aid of any improvement made by the United States or by
  this state. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.22.)
         Sec. 8511.0305.  WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM. The board
  shall adopt and implement a program of water conservation that:
               (1)  incorporates the practices, techniques, and
  technologies that will reduce water consumption, reduce water loss
  or waste, improve efficiency in water use, or increase water
  recycling and reuse so that a water supply is available for future
  or alternative uses; and
               (2)  the commission and development board determine
  meets reasonably anticipated local needs and conditions. (Acts
  44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.22A.)
         Sec. 8511.0306.  FORESTATION AND REFORESTATION. The
  authority may forest, reforest, or aid in foresting or reforesting
  the watershed of the Nueces River and its tributaries. (Acts 44th
  Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.03.)
         Sec. 8511.0307.  GROUNDWATER. (a) The authority may
  conduct surveys and studies of the groundwater supplies in the
  authority to:
               (1)  determine the location and quantity of groundwater
  available for irrigation and other purposes; and
               (2)  develop and ascertain other information that in
  the authority's judgment may be necessary to fully develop
  irrigation and other water uses from the groundwater in the
  authority.
         (b)  With the approval and under the supervision of the
  commission, the authority may appropriate storm water and
  floodwater to recharge underground freshwater-bearing sand and
  aquifers in the Nueces River Basin.
         (c)  The authority shall cooperate with the Edwards Aquifer
  Authority, or its lawful successor, and any other groundwater
  conservation district inside the authority's boundaries in any
  groundwater recharge project in an area where a groundwater
  conservation district has jurisdiction. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S.,
  Ch. 427, Sec. 3.04.)
         Sec. 8511.0308.  WATER QUALITY CONTROL. (a) The authority
  may exercise the powers vested in a river authority by Chapters 5,
  7, 17, 26, and 30, Water Code, and Chapter 366, Health and Safety
  Code.
         (b)  The authority may perform the licensing and other
  functions authorized to be delegated to a local government by the
  commission in connection with the regulation of private sewage
  facilities under Chapter 366, Health and Safety Code.
         (c)  The authority may serve as the entity to provide
  regional or area-wide waste collection, treatment, and disposal
  systems as provided by Subchapter C, Chapter 26, Water Code. (Acts
  44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.05.)
         Sec. 8511.0309.  SOLID WASTE SERVICES. The authority may
  acquire, construct, maintain, and provide facilities, equipment,
  and disposal sites to provide solid waste collection,
  transportation, treatment, and disposal services inside the
  authority, charge for the services, and enter into a contract for
  the services with any person. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427,
  Sec. 3.06.)
         Sec. 8511.0310.  APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL
  LAWS. The authority may exercise the powers and functions vested in
  a river authority by Chapter 383, Health and Safety Code. (Acts
  44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.26.)
         Sec. 8511.0311.  PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. The
  authority may:
               (1)  acquire land adjacent to or in the vicinity of the
  Nueces River or any of its tributaries for park and recreational
  purposes; and
               (2)  acquire, construct, and maintain park and
  recreational facilities on the land. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch.
  427, Sec. 3.07.)
         Sec. 8511.0312.  PERMITS AND LICENSES. In the manner
  provided by Chapters 5, 11, and 12, Water Code, the authority may
  apply for any permit, license, franchise, or other grant of
  authority it may require from the commission, the development
  board, or any other federal, state, or local governmental agency in
  exercising its powers and accomplishing the purposes under this
  chapter. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.08.)
         Sec. 8511.0313.  SERVICE CONTRACTS AND CHARGES. (a) The
  authority may enter into a service contract and may adopt
  resolutions and orders establishing rates and providing for the
  collection of fees and charges for:
               (1)  the sale or use of water;
               (2)  water transmission, treatment, and storage
  facility services;
               (3)  solid and liquid waste collection, treatment, and
  disposal services and facilities;
               (4)  the use of park and recreational facilities;
               (5)  the sale of power and electric energy; and
               (6)  other services or facilities sold, provided, or
  supplied by the authority.
         (b)  The fees and charges must be sufficient to produce
  revenue adequate to:
               (1)  pay expenses necessary for the operation and
  maintenance of the authority's properties and facilities;
               (2)  pay the principal of or the interest on any bonds
  or other obligations issued by the authority when due and payable;
               (3)  fulfill any reserve or other fund obligations of
  the authority in connection with the bonds or other obligations;
  and
               (4)  pay any other expenses the board may consider
  necessary and proper for the authority's operations. (Acts 44th
  Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.09.)
         Sec. 8511.0314.  USE OF REVENUE AND PROPERTY. The use of any
  authority money or property for any purpose not provided by this
  chapter is prohibited. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec.
  4.06(b).)
         Sec. 8511.0315.  ACQUISITION, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATION OF
  PROPERTY. The authority may purchase, lease, acquire by gift,
  maintain, use, and operate property of any kind inside or outside
  the authority that is appropriate for the exercise of its
  functions. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.11(a).)
         Sec. 8511.0316.  ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE,
  AND OPERATION OF FACILITIES. The authority may acquire in any
  manner, construct, extend, improve, maintain, reconstruct, use,
  and operate facilities inside or outside the authority that are
  necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers, rights,
  duties, and functions. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec.
  3.12.)
         Sec. 8511.0317.  EMINENT DOMAIN. (a) The authority may
  exercise the power of eminent domain under Chapter 21, Property
  Code, to acquire property of any kind inside or outside the
  authority that is appropriate for the exercise of its functions.
         (b)  The authority's authority under this section to
  exercise the power of eminent domain expired on September 1, 2013,
  unless the authority submitted a letter to the comptroller in
  accordance with Section 2206.101(b), Government Code, not later
  than December 31, 2012. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec.
  3.10; New.)
         Sec. 8511.0318.  COST OF RELOCATING OR ALTERING PROPERTY.
  (a)  In this section, "sole expense" means the actual cost of
  relocating, raising, rerouting, changing the grade of, or altering
  the construction of a facility described by Subsection (b) in
  providing comparable replacement without enhancement of the
  facility, after deducting from that cost the net salvage value
  derived from the old facility.
         (b)  If the authority's exercise of the power of eminent
  domain, the power of relocation, or any other power makes necessary
  relocating, raising, rerouting, changing the grade of, or altering
  the construction of a highway, railroad, electric transmission
  line, telephone or telegraph property or facility, or pipeline, the
  necessary action shall be accomplished at the authority's sole
  expense. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.14.)
         Sec. 8511.0319.  DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY. The authority
  may:
               (1)  sell any property or interest in property of any
  kind owned by the authority by installments or otherwise, including
  a sale in any manner prescribed or permitted by:
                     (A)  Chapter 383, Health and Safety Code;
                     (B)  Section 552.014, Local Government Code; or
                     (C)  Chapter 30, Water Code; or
               (2)  lease, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any
  property described by Subdivision (1) or interest in property.
  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.11(b).)
         Sec. 8511.0320.  GENERAL CONTRACT POWERS. The authority may
  enter into a contract or execute an instrument that is necessary or
  convenient for the exercise of its powers, rights, duties, and
  functions. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.15(a).)
         Sec. 8511.0321.  AWARD OF CERTAIN CONTRACTS. (a) Any
  construction, maintenance, operation, or repair contract, or
  contract for the purchase of material, equipment, or supplies, or
  any contract for services other than technical, scientific, legal,
  fiscal, or other professional services, which will require an
  estimated expenditure of more than $10,000, or is for a term of six
  months or more, shall be awarded to the lowest and best bidder.
         (b)  In the event of a catastrophe or calamity of any kind,
  the authority may award a contract necessary to protect and
  preserve the public health and welfare or the authority's property
  without using bidding procedures.
         (c)  The authority:
               (1)  shall publish notice:
                     (A)  to bidders once each week for three
  consecutive weeks before the date set for awarding the contract;
  and
                     (B)  in a newspaper having general circulation in
  the county or counties in which the contract is to be performed; and
               (2)  may publish notice in any other appropriate
  publication.
         (d)  The notice is sufficient if it states the time and place
  when and where the bids will be opened, the general nature of the
  work to be done, or the material, equipment, or supplies to be
  purchased, or the nonprofessional services to be rendered, and
  states the terms upon which copies of the plans, specifications, or
  other pertinent information may be obtained.
         (e)  A person who desires to bid on the construction of any
  advertised work shall, on written application to the authority, be
  provided a copy of the plans and specifications or other
  engineering and architectural documents showing all of the details
  of the work to be done. A charge may be made to cover the cost of
  making the copy.
         (f)  A bid must be:
               (1)  in writing;
               (2)  sealed and delivered to the authority; and
               (3)  accompanied by a certified check drawn on a
  responsible bank in this state or, at the discretion of the
  authority, a bid bond from a company approved by the authority, in
  an amount equal to at least one percent of the total amount bid.
         (g)  The authority shall open bids at the place specified in
  the published notice and shall announce the bids. The place where
  the bids are opened and announced must be open to the public. The
  award of the contract shall be made by:
               (1)  the board; or
               (2)  the executive committee, if authorized by the
  board.
         (h)  The person with whom a contract is made shall provide
  the performance and payment bonds required by law.
         (i)  The amount of a check or bond provided under Subsection
  (f) is forfeited to the authority if the successful bidder fails or
  refuses to:
               (1)  enter into a proper contract; or
               (2)  provide a bond as required by law.
         (j)  The authority may reject any or all bids.
         (k)  The authority may waive any informality in the bids.
         (l)  This section does not prohibit the authority from taking
  the following actions by negotiated contract and without necessity
  for advertising for bids:
               (1)  purchasing or acquiring land or an interest in
  land from any person;
               (2)  acquiring, constructing, or improving pollution
  control or waste collection and disposal facilities in accordance
  with Chapter 30, Water Code, Chapter 383, Health and Safety Code, or
  other applicable statutes; or
               (3)  purchasing or acquiring surplus property from a
  governmental entity. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Secs.
  3.15(b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (h), (i).)
         Sec. 8511.0322.  CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS: PAYMENT. (a) The
  contract price of any construction contract of the authority may be
  paid in partial payments as the work progresses, but the payments
  may not exceed 90 percent of the amount due at the time of the
  payments as shown by the authority engineer's report.
         (b)  The executive director shall, at all times during the
  progress of the work, inspect the work or have the work inspected by
  the authority engineer or the engineer's assistants.
         (c)  On certification of the executive director and the
  authority engineer of the completion of the contract in accordance
  with its terms and, in the case of any construction contract for
  which notice to bidders is required by Section 8511.0321(c), on
  board approval, the authority shall draw a warrant on its
  depository to pay the balance due on the contract. (Acts 44th Leg.,
  1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.15(g).)
         Sec. 8511.0323.  CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN CERTAIN CONTRACTS.
  An officer, agent, or employee of the authority who is financially
  interested in a contract of a type described by Section
  8511.0321(a) shall disclose that fact to the board before the board
  votes on the acceptance of the contract. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S.,
  Ch. 427, Sec. 3.15(j).)
         Sec. 8511.0324.  SURVEYS AND ENGINEERING INVESTIGATIONS.
  The authority shall conduct surveys and engineering investigations
  to develop information for its use. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch.
  427, Sec. 3.19 (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0325.  PLANS. The board may:
               (1)  make and determine plans necessary to accomplish
  the purposes for which the authority is created; and
               (2)  perform all actions useful and helpful in carrying
  out the plans described by Subdivision (1) and accomplishing the
  authority's purposes. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.19
  (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0326.  ACCESS TO AUTHORITY PROPERTY. (a)  To
  provide for the safety and welfare of persons and their property or
  for the protection and security of authority property and
  facilities, the board may adopt rules with respect to authority
  property and any water reservoir or dam the construction,
  operation, or management of which is participated in by the
  authority to control and regulate:
               (1)  ingress, egress, and use; and
               (2)  the operation of land and water vehicles.
         (b)  All public roads, streets, and state highways that as of
  September 1, 1975, traversed the areas to be covered by any
  impounded water shall remain open as a way of public passing to and
  from the lakes created, unless changed by lawful authority. (Acts
  44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.20.)
         Sec. 8511.0327.  LIMITATIONS ON POWERS AND DUTIES;
  COMMISSION APPROVAL OF CERTAIN PLANS. (a)  The powers granted and
  duties prescribed by this chapter are subject to all legislative
  declarations of public policy in the maximum use of the storm water,
  floodwater, and unappropriated flow water of the Nueces River Basin
  for the purposes for which the authority is created.
         (b)  The commission shall consider the adequacy of, and
  approve or refuse to approve, any flood control or conservation
  improvement plan that:
               (1)  is devised by the authority to achieve a plan or
  purpose for which the authority was created; and
               (2)  contemplates improvements that are to be
  supervised by the commission under general law. (Acts 44th Leg.,
  1st C.S., Ch. 427, Secs. 3.25(a) (part), (b).)
  SUBCHAPTER D. REGULATORY POWERS; ENFORCEMENT AND COURT REVIEW
  PROVISIONS
         Sec. 8511.0401.  ADOPTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF RULES. (a)  The
  authority may adopt and enforce rules reasonably required to
  effectuate this chapter.
         (b)  In adopting rules, the board shall comply, as
  appropriate, with the requirements of Chapters 2001 and 2002,
  Government Code.
         (c)  The board shall print its rules and provide copies to
  any person on written request. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427,
  Sec. 3.16.)
         Sec. 8511.0402.  CIVIL PENALTY; INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. (a) A
  person who violates an authority rule or order is subject to a civil
  penalty of not less than $50 or more than $1,000 for each day of
  violation.
         (b)  The authority may sue to recover the penalty in a
  district court in the county in which the violation occurred. A
  penalty shall be paid to the authority.
         (c)  The authority may sue for injunctive relief in a
  district court in the county in which a violation of a rule or order
  occurred or is threatened.
         (d)  The authority may sue for injunctive relief and a
  penalty in the same proceeding. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427,
  Sec. 3.17.)
         Sec. 8511.0403.  COURT REVIEW. (a)  A person adversely
  affected by an authority rule or order may sue the authority in a
  district court to set aside the rule or order before the 31st day
  after the date on which the rule or order took effect.
         (b)  Venue for a suit under Subsection (a) is in:
               (1)  a county located wholly or partly in the authority
  in which the plaintiff resides; or
               (2)  the county in which the authority maintains its
  principal office. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 3.18.)
  SUBCHAPTER E. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 8511.0501.  DISBURSEMENT OF MONEY. The authority may
  disburse its money only by a check, draft, order, or other
  instrument signed by a person authorized to do so in the board's
  bylaws or by board resolution. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427,
  Sec. 4.01.)
         Sec. 8511.0502.  ACCOUNTS, CONTRACTS, AND OTHER RECORDS;
  PUBLIC INSPECTION. (a) The authority shall keep complete and
  accurate accounts of its business transactions in accordance with
  generally accepted methods of accounting.
         (b)  The authority shall keep its accounts, contracts,
  documents, minutes, and other records at its principal office.
         (c)  Except as otherwise required by law, the authority may
  not disclose a record that it has relating to a trade secret or the
  economics of operation of business or industry.
         (d)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the authority
  shall permit reasonable public inspection of its records during
  regular business hours. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Secs.
  2.10(a), (c), (d), (e).)
         Sec. 8511.0503.  FEES AND CHARGES. (a)  The authority shall
  establish fees and charges.
         (b)  The fees and charges may not exceed the amount necessary
  to fulfill the obligations imposed on the authority by this
  chapter. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 4.02.)
         Sec. 8511.0504.  TRUST MONEY. Money collected by or
  donated, granted, loaned, or advanced to the authority is trust
  money for the purposes provided by this chapter. (Acts 44th Leg.,
  1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 4.05.)
         Sec. 8511.0505.  DEPOSITORY. (a)  The board shall designate
  one or more banks inside or outside the authority to serve as a
  depository for authority money.
         (b)  Authority money shall be deposited in a depository
  designated by the board, except that the following may be handled as
  provided in a trust indenture or bond resolution:
               (1)  bond proceeds;
               (2)  money pledged to pay bonds;
               (3)  money placed in special funds; and
               (4)  money remitted to a bank of payment for the payment
  of the principal of and interest on bonds.
         (c)  The board shall prescribe the term of service for a
  depository.
         (d)  Before designating a depository, the board shall:
               (1)  publish notice one time in one or more newspapers
  of general circulation in the authority that are specified by the
  board; or
               (2)  mail a copy of the notice to each bank inside the
  authority.
         (e)  The notice must:
               (1)  state the time and place at which the board will
  meet to designate a depository; and
               (2)  invite the banks inside the authority to submit
  applications to be designated a depository.
         (f)  At the time stated in the notice, the board shall:
               (1)  consider the application and the management and
  condition of each bank that applies; and
               (2)  designate as a depository the bank or banks:
                     (A)  that offer the most favorable terms for
  handling authority money; and
                     (B)  that the board finds have proper management
  and are in condition to handle authority money.
         (g)  Membership on the board of an officer or director of a
  bank does not disqualify the bank from being designated as a
  depository.
         (h)  If the board does not receive any applications before
  the time stated in the notice, the board shall designate one or more
  banks inside or outside the authority on terms that the board finds
  advantageous to the authority. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427,
  Secs. 4.09(a) (part), (b), (c), (d).)
         Sec. 8511.0506.  INVESTMENT OF AUTHORITY MONEY; APPLICATION
  OF INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS. (a) Money in the authority's treasury
  that is not required for the current payment of obligations of the
  authority or for sinking funds and that the board considers
  available for investment may be invested or reinvested by the
  authority in:
               (1)  direct obligations of the United States;
               (2)  obligations the principal and interest of which
  are guaranteed by the United States;
               (3)  direct obligations of or participation
  certificates guaranteed by:
                     (A)  a farm credit bank;
                     (B)  the Federal National Mortgage Association;
                     (C)  a federal home loan bank;
                     (D)  a bank for cooperatives; or
                     (E)  the successor or successors to any of the
  entities listed in this subdivision;
               (4)  certificates of deposit of a bank or trust company
  the deposits of which are fully secured by a pledge of securities of
  any of the kind specified by Subdivision (3);
               (5)  other securities made eligible for investment
  under this section by other laws and constitutional provisions; or
               (6)  a combination of the investments listed in this
  subsection.
         (b)  The board shall determine the type and maturity of
  investments made under this section.
         (c)  A resolution relating to the issuance of bonds must
  provide appropriate recitals with regard to the investment of money
  in funds established in connection with the authorization of the
  bonds.
         (d)  The board shall direct the application of income from
  investments made under this section. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch.
  427, Sec. 4.07.)
         Sec. 8511.0507.  FISCAL YEAR. The authority's fiscal year
  ends on August 31 of each year. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427,
  Sec. 4.08(a).)
         Sec. 8511.0508.  AUDIT. (a) In addition to including the
  information required by Subchapter G, Chapter 49, Water Code, the
  audit report prepared under that subchapter must state:
               (1)  the amount of money received by the authority
  under this chapter during the preceding fiscal year; and
               (2)  how, to whom, and for what purpose the money was
  spent.
         (b)  A copy of the audit report prepared under Subchapter G,
  Chapter 49, Water Code, shall be filed:
               (1)  as required by Section 49.194, Water Code;
               (2)  with the governor;
               (3)  with the lieutenant governor;
               (4)  with the speaker of the house of representatives;
  and
               (5)  with the comptroller. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S.,
  Ch. 427, Secs. 4.08(b) (part), (c); New.)
  SUBCHAPTER F. TAX PROVISIONS
         Sec. 8511.0601.  MAINTENANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TAX. (a)
  The board may impose ad valorem taxes in amounts approved at an
  election held in accordance with Section 8511.0602 for:
               (1)  the maintenance of the authority and its
  improvements; or
               (2)  the authority's administrative expenses.
         (b)  The maintenance tax and administration tax may not
  exceed the maximum rate approved at the election, and the rate
  remains in effect until changed by a subsequent election. The tax
  rate may not exceed the limit specified by Section 8511.0604. (Acts
  44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 5.05.)
         Sec. 8511.0602.  ELECTION FOR AD VALOREM TAX OR BONDS
  PAYABLE FROM AD VALOREM TAXES. (a) An ad valorem tax for a purpose
  authorized by this chapter may not be imposed and bonds payable
  wholly or partly from ad valorem taxes, other than refunding bonds,
  may not be issued unless the taxes or bonds are approved by a
  majority of the authority's voters voting at an election held in the
  authority.
         (b)  The election must be ordered by resolution of the board.
  The election resolution must include:
               (1)  the date of the election;
               (2)  the proposition to be submitted and voted on;
               (3)  the polling places; and
               (4)  any other matters the board considers advisable.
         (c)  There must be at least two polling places in each county
  that is wholly inside the authority, one of which must be at the
  county seat. There must be at least one polling place in that part
  of each county that is partly inside the authority.
         (d)  Notice of the election must be given by publishing a
  substantial copy of the resolution ordering the election in one or
  more newspapers of general circulation in the authority. The
  notice must be published at least twice in each newspaper. The
  first publication in each newspaper must occur at least 14 days
  before the date set for the election, and the interval between the
  publications in each newspaper must be at least one week. (Acts
  44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 5.06 (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0603.  ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF TAXES. (a)
  Concurrently with the imposition of county taxes by the
  commissioners courts, the board shall impose a tax for the
  authority on all taxable property in the authority that is subject
  to taxation. The board shall immediately certify the tax rate to
  the assessor-collector of each county located wholly or partly
  inside the authority.
         (b)  The tax assessor-collector of each county located
  wholly or partly inside the authority shall act as the tax
  assessor-collector for the authority for property in the authority
  located in that county.
         (c)  The fee of each county tax assessor-collector for
  assessing and collecting the authority's taxes may not exceed one
  percent of the taxes collected, to be paid over and disbursed in
  each county in the same manner as other fees of office. (Acts 44th
  Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Secs. 5.07(b) (part), (c) (part), (f).)
         Sec. 8511.0604.  MAXIMUM TAX RATE. Except as provided by
  Section 8511.0605, the maximum tax rate that may be imposed for any
  year for all purposes is 15 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation
  of taxable property. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 5.08;
  New.)
         Sec. 8511.0605.  POWERS RELATING TO IMPROVEMENTS PECULIAR TO
  DEFINED AREA. (a)  The authority may exercise the powers specified
  by Sections 51.510 through 51.530, Water Code, relating to
  improvements peculiar to defined areas inside the authority.
         (b)  The tax rate limit specified by Section 8511.0604 does
  not apply with respect to an improvement constructed in exercise of
  a power authorized by this section. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch.
  427, Sec. 5.09 (part).)
  SUBCHAPTER G. BONDS, BORROWED MONEY, AND GRANTS
         Sec. 8511.0701.  BORROWING MONEY; GRANTS. (a)  The
  authority may:
               (1)  borrow money or accept a grant or donation for its
  corporate purposes from any person, including a private source, the
  United States, this state, or a local government; and
               (2)  enter into an agreement in connection with a loan,
  grant, or donation accepted under Subdivision (1).
         (b)  The source of any money accepted by the authority is
  public information, both as to amount and any restrictions placed
  by the donor on its expenditure. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch.
  427, Sec. 4.03.)
         Sec. 8511.0702.  POWER TO APPLY FOR MONEY FOR ENGINEERING
  SURVEYS, INFORMATION COMPILATION AND COLLECTION, AND OTHER
  PURPOSES. (a) The authority may apply to any person, including
  this state and the United States, for money necessary to:
               (1)  secure engineering surveys and the compilation and
  collection of information relating to regional and general
  conditions entering into and influencing the character and extent
  of the improvements necessary to accomplish the storage, control,
  transportation, treatment, conservation, and equitable
  distribution to the greatest public advantage of the floodwater,
  normal flow water, and storm water that is stored and controlled; or
               (2)  accomplish or carry out any purpose of this
  chapter.
         (b)  The authority:
               (1)  shall request an amount it considers sufficient;
               (2)  may make the necessary agreements with the party
  providing the money; and
               (3)  may appropriate the amount of the estimated
  equitable contribution of the costs of developing essential
  engineering information. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec.
  4.04.)
         Sec. 8511.0703.  POWER TO ISSUE BONDS. (a) For the purpose
  of carrying out any power conferred by this chapter, including
  preparation of the master plan and payment of engineering and
  related expenses, the authority may issue bonds in three general
  classes:
               (1)  bonds secured by ad valorem taxes;
               (2)  bonds secured by a pledge of all or part of the
  revenue accruing to the authority from any source other than ad
  valorem taxes, including the revenue received from:
                     (A)  the sale of water or other products;
                     (B)  the rendition of services;
                     (C)  tolls; and
                     (D)  charges; and
               (3)  bonds secured by a combination pledge of:
                     (A)  taxes; and
                     (B)  all or part of the revenue described by
  Subdivision (2).
         (b)  The bonds must be authorized by a board resolution.
  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Secs. 5.01(a), (b) (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0704.  FORM OF BONDS. Authority bonds must be:
               (1)  in the form the board prescribes;
               (2)  issued in the authority's name;
               (3)  signed by the president or a vice president; and
               (4)  attested by the secretary. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st
  C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 5.01(b) (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0705.  MATURITY. Authority bonds must mature not
  later than 50 years after the date of their issuance. (Acts 44th
  Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 5.01(b) (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0706.  ELECTION FOR BONDS PAYABLE FROM AD VALOREM
  TAXES. (a) Authority bonds, other than refunding bonds, payable
  wholly or partly from ad valorem taxes may not be issued unless
  authorized by an election at which a majority of the votes cast
  favor the bond issuance. The election must be held in accordance
  with Section 8511.0602.
         (b)  The authority may issue bonds not payable wholly or
  partly from ad valorem taxes without an election. (Acts 44th Leg.,
  1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 5.04.)
         Sec. 8511.0707.  TRUST INDENTURE. Authority bonds may be
  further secured by a trust indenture with a corporate trustee.
  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 5.01(b) (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0708.  ADDITIONAL BONDS. A pledge of revenue may
  reserve the right, under conditions specified by the pledge, to
  issue additional bonds that will be on a parity with or subordinate
  to the bonds then being issued. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427,
  Sec. 5.01(c) (part).)
         Sec. 8511.0709.  ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS IN RESOLUTION
  AUTHORIZING BONDS OR TRUST INDENTURE. (a) The resolution
  authorizing the bonds or the trust indenture further securing the
  bonds may specify additional provisions that constitute a contract
  between the authority and its bondholders.
         (b)  The board has full discretion in providing for the
  additional provisions, including the authority to provide for a
  corporate trustee or receiver to take possession of authority
  facilities if the authority defaults in fulfilling the covenants
  made in the resolution or trust indenture. (Acts 44th Leg., 1st
  C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 5.01(d).)
         Sec. 8511.0710.  REFUNDING BONDS. (a) The authority may
  issue refunding bonds to refund outstanding authority bonds and
  interest on the bonds.
         (b)  Refunding bonds may:
               (1)  be issued to refund bonds of one or more series;
               (2)  combine the pledges for the outstanding bonds for
  the security of the refunding bonds; or
               (3)  be secured by a pledge of other or additional
  revenue.
         (c)  The provisions of this subchapter regarding the
  issuance of other bonds, their security, and the remedies of the
  holders apply to refunding bonds.
         (d)  The comptroller shall register the refunding bonds on
  surrender and cancellation of the bonds to be refunded.
         (e)  Instead of issuing bonds to be registered on the
  surrender and cancellation of the bonds to be refunded, the
  authority, in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the
  refunding bonds, may provide for the sale of the refunding bonds and
  the deposit of the proceeds in a bank at which the bonds to be
  refunded are payable. In that case, the refunding bonds may be
  issued in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest
  on the bonds to be refunded to their option date or maturity date,
  and the comptroller shall register the refunding bonds without the
  concurrent surrender and cancellation of the bonds to be refunded.
  (Acts 44th Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 427, Sec. 5.02.)
         SECTION 1.04.  WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT.  
  Subtitle I, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, is amended by
  adding Chapter 9088 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 9088. CALHOUN COUNTY WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT
  DISTRICT NO. 1
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
  Sec. 9088.0101.  DEFINITIONS 
  Sec. 9088.0102.  NATURE AND PURPOSE OF DISTRICT 
  Sec. 9088.0103.  FINDINGS OF PURPOSE AND BENEFIT 
  Sec. 9088.0104.  DISTRICT TERRITORY 
  SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES
  Sec. 9088.0201.  WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
                    POWERS 
  SUBCHAPTER C. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
  Sec. 9088.0301.  TAX METHOD 
  CHAPTER 9088. CALHOUN COUNTY WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT
  DISTRICT NO. 1
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 9088.0101.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Board" means the district's board of directors.
               (2)  "District" means the Calhoun County Water Control
  and Improvement District No. 1 in Calhoun County. (Acts 56th Leg.,
  R.S., Ch. 472, Sec. 1 (part); Acts 71st Leg., R.S., Ch. 518, Sec. 1;
  New.)
         Sec. 9088.0102.  NATURE AND PURPOSE OF DISTRICT. (a) The
  district is:
               (1)  a conservation and reclamation district under
  Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution;
               (2)  a water control and improvement district; and
               (3)  a municipal corporation.
         (b)  The district's sole purpose is reclaiming and draining
  the district's overflowed land and other land needing drainage.
  (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 472, Secs. 1 (part), 4 (part).)
         Sec. 9088.0103.  FINDINGS OF PURPOSE AND BENEFIT. (a) The
  district is essential to the accomplishment of the purposes of
  Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution.
         (b)  All land and other property in the district benefit from
  the district and improvements and facilities the district
  constructs and acquires. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 472, Secs. 3
  (part), 4 (part).)
         Sec. 9088.0104.  DISTRICT TERRITORY. The district has the
  area and boundaries described by the board's order adopted on March
  23, 1959, as that area and those boundaries may have been modified
  under:
               (1)  Subchapter J, Chapter 49, Water Code;
               (2)  Subchapter O, Chapter 51, Water Code; or
               (3)  other law. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 472, Sec. 1
  (part); New.)
  SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES
         Sec. 9088.0201.  WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
  POWERS. To accomplish the sole purpose of reclaiming and draining
  the district's overflowed land and other land needing drainage, the
  district has all of the rights, powers, privileges, and duties
  provided by general law applicable to a water control and
  improvement district created under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas
  Constitution, including Chapters 49 and 51, Water Code. (Acts 56th
  Leg., R.S., Ch. 472, Sec. 1 (part); New.)
  SUBCHAPTER C. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 9088.0301.  TAX METHOD. (a) The district shall use the
  ad valorem basis or plan of taxation.
         (b)  The board is not required to hold a hearing on the
  adoption of a plan of taxation. (Acts 56th Leg., R.S., Ch. 472,
  Sec. 3 (part).)
  ARTICLE 2. CONFORMING AMENDMENT
         SECTION 2.01.  NUECES RIVER AUTHORITY. Section 2.02(a),
  Chapter 427, Acts of the 44th Legislature, 1st Called Session,
  1935, is amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The Nueces River Authority [authority] includes all
  counties which lie wholly within the Nueces River Basin, all of San
  Patricio, Nueces, and Jim Wells counties, and generally the
  in-basin parts of other counties, except Webb County, which lie
  partially within the basin. The actual boundaries of the area
  within the authority may be described by metes and bounds as
  follows: Beginning at a point in the boundary of the State of Texas
  offshore of the City of Port Aransas at the Northeast corner of
  Nueces County and the most southerly Southeast corner of Aransas
  County; thence along the common line between Nueces County and
  Aransas County in a westerly and then northerly direction to a point
  in the center of the Intracoastal Canal cutoff between Rockport and
  Aransas Pass, Texas; thence southerly along the centerline of the
  said Intracoastal Canal to its point of intersection with an
  extension of the boundary line between Aransas County and San
  Patricio County for the northernmost Southeast corner of San
  Patricio County and the Southwest corner of Aransas County for an
  angle point; thence along the common line between San Patricio
  County and Aransas County in a northwesterly direction
  approximately 14 miles to a point on the Aransas River on the South
  line of Refugio County for the Northeast corner of San Patricio
  County and the West corner of Aransas County; thence along the
  Aransas River and the common line between Refugio County and San
  Patricio County in a west-northwesterly direction approximately 19
  miles to a point on the Southeast line of Bee County for the
  Southwest corner of Refugio County; thence along the common line
  between Bee County and San Patricio County in a southwesterly
  direction approximately 3 miles to a point for the Southeast corner
  of Bee County; thence along the common line between Bee County and
  San Patricio County in a west-northwesterly direction
  approximately 16 miles to the common corner of Live Oak, Bee, and
  San Patricio Counties; thence in a northwesterly direction with the
  line between Live Oak and Bee Counties approximately 14 miles;
  thence N. approximately 25 miles to the most northern corner of Bee
  County; thence N. 40° W. at approximately 19 1/2 miles the
  Karnes-Wilson Counties line, at about 31 miles a point in the S.W.
  line of Bexar County; thence approximately North 77 1/2° W.
  approximately 28 miles, to the S.W. corner of Bexar County; thence
  N.W. along the northwest extension of the common boundary between
  Bexar and Atascosa Counties 3 1/2 miles to a point; thence N. 30° W.
  approximately 28 miles to a point in the North line of Medina
  County; then North 64° W. approximately 34 miles to a point in the
  west line of Bandera County; thence North approximately 3 miles to
  the northwest corner of Bandera County; thence West with the line of
  Real and Kerr Counties approximately 5 miles to S.W. corner of Kerr
  County; thence North with the line between Kerr and Real Counties
  approximately 13 miles to the N.E. corner of Real County; thence
  West, North and West, with the north line of Real County,
  approximately 18 miles to the Northwest corner of Real County;
  thence South 75° west approximately 15 miles to the Court House in
  Rock Springs in Edwards County; thence N. 68° W. approximately 15
  miles to a point; thence S. 34° W. approximately 19 miles to a point;
  thence S. 35° E. at 21 miles pass a point in the South line of
  Edwards County, 34 miles to a point; thence S. 23 1/2° W.
  approximately 14 miles to a point; thence S. approximately 8 miles
  to Spofford Junction; thence South with the Eagle Pass branch of G.
  H. & S. A. R. R. at 15 miles a point; thence South 12 miles to a
  point; thence S. 41 1/2° E. 42 miles to the village of Dentonia in
  Dimmit County; thence S. 27 1/2 d. E. approximately 10 miles to the
  Dimmit and Webb Counties line; thence E. with said Dimmit-Webb
  County line approximately 25 miles to the west line of La Salle
  County; thence South with west line of La Salle County
  approximately 5 miles to the S.W. corner of La Salle County, a
  common corner with Webb County; thence E. with the Webb-La Salle
  County line approximately 30 miles to the N.E. corner of Webb
  County, the common corner of Webb, La Salle, McMullen and Duval
  Counties; thence S. with the Webb-Duval County line approximately
  27 miles to a point in the E. line of Webb County; thence N. 35 d. E.
  33 miles to a point on the 28 d. North Parallel; thence East along
  the 28 degrees North Parallel approximately 17 miles to a point on
  the East line of Duval County and the West line of Jim Wells County
  for an interior corner; thence along the common line between Duval
  County and Jim Wells County, South approximately 55 miles to a point
  on the North line of Brooks County for the Southwest corner of Jim
  Wells County and the Southeast corner of Duval County; thence along
  the common line between Jim Wells County and Brooks County, East
  approximately 11 miles to a point for the northernmost Southwest
  corner of Kleberg County and the southernmost Southeast corner of
  Jim Wells County; thence along the common line between Jim Wells
  County and Kleberg County, North approximately 25.5 miles to the
  Northwest corner of Kleberg County and an interior corner of Jim
  Wells County; thence along the common line between Jim Wells County
  and Kleberg County, East approximately 7.25 miles to a point in the
  center of San Fernando Creek for the northernmost Southeast corner
  of Jim Wells County and the northernmost Southwest corner of Nueces
  County; thence along the centerline of San Fernando Creek and along
  the common line between Kleberg County and Nueces County in a
  southeasterly direction approximately 9 miles to a point for the
  southernmost Southwest corner of Nueces County; thence along the
  common line between Kleberg County and Nueces County, East
  approximately 32 miles to a point on the shoreline of Laguna Madre
  for an angle point; thence along the common line between Kleberg
  County and Nueces County in an east-northeasterly direction across
  Laguna Madre approximately 5.25 miles to a point on the Northwest
  line of Padre Island for an angle point; thence along the common
  line between Kleberg County and Nueces County in a southeasterly
  direction to a point on the boundary of the State of Texas in the
  Gulf of Mexico off North Padre Island at the Northeast corner of
  Kleberg County and the Southeast corner of Nueces County; thence
  along the boundary of the State of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico and
  along the Southeast line of Nueces County in a northeasterly
  direction to the point of beginning; being all of Live Oak County,
  1116 square miles, McMullen County 1302 square miles, La Salle
  County 1561 square miles, Frio County 1124 square miles, Zavala
  County 1348 square miles, Atascosa County, 1358 square miles, Real
  County 619 square miles, Uvalde County 1589 square miles, San
  Patricio County 680 square miles, Nueces County 838 square miles,
  and Jim Wells County 846 square miles, and parts of the following
  Counties with the number of square miles included in the authority:
         Duval378 square miles.
         Dimmit1200 square miles.
         Maverick574 square miles.
         Kinney602 square miles.
         Medina1113 square miles.
         Bandera224 square miles.
         Edwards922 square miles.
         Bexar84 square miles.
         Wilson98 square miles.
         Karnes85 square miles.
         Bee135 square miles.
  ARTICLE 3. REPEALERS
         SECTION 3.01.  DENTON COUNTY LEVEE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO.
  1 OF DENTON AND DALLAS COUNTIES, TEXAS. The following statutes are
  repealed:
               (1)  Chapter 473, Acts of the 69th Legislature, Regular
  Session, 1985; and
               (2)  Section 6, Chapter 962, Acts of the 80th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
         SECTION 3.02.  SEBASTIAN MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT.
  Chapter 516, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997,
  is repealed.
         SECTION 3.03.  RED RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXAS. The following
  statutes are repealed:
               (1)  Chapter 279, Acts of the 56th Legislature, Regular
  Session, 1959;
               (2)  Section 3, Chapter 504 Acts of the 57th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 1961;
               (3)  Section 2, Chapter 570, Acts of the 60th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 1967;
               (4)  Section 2, Chapter 217, Acts of the 64th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 1975;
               (5)  Section 3, Chapter 529, Acts of the 65th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 1977;
               (6)  Section 4, Chapter 86, Acts of the 67th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 1981;
               (7)  Section 3, Chapter 870, Acts of the 67th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 1981;
               (8)  Section 5, Chapter 696, Acts of the 68th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 1983; and
               (9)  Sections 12 and 14, Chapter 23, Acts of the 86th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 2019.
         SECTION 3.04.  NUECES RIVER AUTHORITY. The following
  statutes are repealed:
               (1)  Sections 1.01, 1.02, 1.02A, 1.03, 2.01, 2.02(b)
  and (c), 2.03, 2.03A, 2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 2.06A, 2.07, 2.08, 2.08A,
  2.09, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.07,
  3.08, 3.09, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16, 3.17, 3.18,
  3.18A, 3.19, 3.20, 3.21, 3.22, 3.22A, 3.23, 3.24, 3.25, 3.26, 3.27,
  3.28, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 5.01,
  5.02, 5.04, 5.05, 5.06, 5.07, 5.08, 5.09, and 5.10, Chapter 427,
  Acts of the 44th Legislature, 1st Called Session, 1935;
               (2)  Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, Chapter 699, Acts of
  the 64th Legislature, Regular Session, 1975;
               (3)  Section 3, Chapter 665, Acts of the 69th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 1985; and
               (4)  Sections 16 and 18, Chapter 21, Acts of the 86th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 2019.
         SECTION 3.05.  CALHOUN COUNTY WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT
  DISTRICT NO. 1. The following statutes are repealed:
               (1)  Chapter 472, Acts of the 56th Legislature, Regular
  Session, 1959; and
               (2)  Chapter 518, Acts of the 71st Legislature, Regular
  Session, 1989.
  ARTICLE 4. GENERAL MATTERS
         SECTION 4.01.  LEGISLATIVE INTENT OF NO SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE.
  This Act is enacted under Section 43, Article III, Texas
  Constitution. This Act is intended as a codification only, and no
  substantive change in law is intended by this Act. This Act does
  not increase or decrease the territory of any special district of
  the state as those boundaries exist on the effective date of this
  Act.
         SECTION 4.02.  PRESERVATION OF VALIDATION MADE BY PREVIOUS
  LAW. (a) The repeal of a law, including a validating law, by this
  Act does not remove, void, or otherwise affect in any manner a
  validation under the repealed law. The validation is preserved and
  continues to have the same effect that it would have if the law were
  not repealed.
         (b)  Subsection (a) of this section does not diminish the
  saving provisions prescribed by Section 311.031, Government Code.
         SECTION 4.03.  EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect April
  1, 2023.