BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 5693
89R25301 SCF-D	By: Manuel (Nichols)
	Local Government
	5/21/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 is one of three drainage districts located within Jefferson County and was established in 1946. The bill author has informed the committee that in May 2024, no commissioner for this district ran opposed and there was no need for an election. However, in preparation for a possible election, the district had begun evaluating costs to hold its own election, separate from the county. According to the district, an independent election would have cost the district between $100,000 and $150,000. By comparison, holding an election in a normal county election scenario, the district's cost would be approximately $30,000. H.B. 5693 seeks to save taxpayer funds that would otherwise be needed to hold separate elections by requiring elections of district commissioners to be held on the uniform election date in November of each odd-numbered year. 

H.B. 5693 amends current law relating to the election of the commissioners of the Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 4, Chapter 34, Acts of the 57th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 1962, as follows:

Sec. 4. Requires the Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 (district) to hold an election on the uniform election date in November of each odd-numbered year to elect the appropriate number of commissioners of the district (commissioner). Deletes existing text providing that the commissioners are elected in accordance with Subchapter D (Election Provisions), Chapter 49 (Provisions Applicable to All Districts), Water Code. Provides that commissioners serve staggered four-year terms.

SECTION 2. (a) Requires the district to hold an election to elect two commissioners on the uniform election date in November 2025, as provided by Section 4, Chapter 34, Acts of the 57th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 1962, as amended by this Act.

(b) Requires a commissioner serving on the board of commissioners the district (board) elected in May 2022 to serve until the commissioner's successor has qualified following the commissioners' election held on the uniform election date in November 2025. Provides that a commissioner elected to succeed that commissioner serves a four-year term.

(c) Requires the district to hold an election to elect three commissioners on the uniform election date in November 2027, as provided by Section 4, Chapter 34, Acts of the 57th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 1962, as amended by this Act.

(d) Requires a commissioner serving on the board elected in May 2024 to serve until the commissioner's successor has qualified following the commissioners' election held on the uniform election date in November 2027. Provides that a commissioner elected to succeed that commissioner serves a four-year term.

SECTION 3. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and laws of this state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and accomplished.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2025.