BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 4158
89R16514 SCR-D	By: Louderback (Huffman)
	Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
	5/22/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Under current law, directors of groundwater conservation districts may receive fees for each day spent performing their duties, up to $250 per day and $9,000 per year. However, Section 8857.056 of the Special District Local Laws Code explicitly prohibits directors of the Texana Groundwater Conservation District, located entirely in Jackson County, from receiving any compensation for their service, though they may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred attending meetings at the rate set for Jackson County employees. The bill author notes that this restriction may impede the district's ability to attract qualified directors.

H.B. 4158 addresses this issue by repealing Section 8857.056, thereby allowing the Texana Groundwater Conservation District to compensate its directors in accordance with the standard provisions for groundwater conservation districts.

H.B. 4158 amends current law relating to the compensation of the directors of the Texana Groundwater Conservation District.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Repealer: Section 8857.056 (Compensation; Expenses), Special District Local Laws Code.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.