HBA-NMO H.B. 2926 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2926
By: Walker
Natural Resources
3/22/99
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law authorizes two or more groundwater conservation districts
(districts) to consolidate into one district.  The law conditions
consolidation on the agreement of all districts concerned and requires the
holding of a confirmation election in each district in which the
consolidation results in additional taxing or bonding authority.  However,
the district that does not initiate the consolidation generally does not
experience change in its taxing or bonding authority.   

H.B. 2926 requires the board of a district, in order to initiate
consolidation, to adopt a resolution proposing consolidation and deliver a
copy of the resolution to the board of each district with which the
consolidation is proposed.  This bill also provides that an election to
ratify the consolidation is only required in each district that initiates
consolidation.          

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 36.351(a), Water Code, require the board of a
groundwater conservation district (district), in order to initiate a
consolidation, to adopt a resolution proposing a consolidation and deliver
a copy of the  resolution to the board of each district with which
consolidation is proposed.  This subsection authorizes two or more
districts to consolidate into one district. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Sections 36.354(a), (b), and (d), Water Code, to provide
that an election to ratify the consolidation is required in each district
that initiates consolidation.  Provides that an election is not required in
a district that does not initiate consolidation.  Deletes language that
excepts districts, by meeting certain requirements, from a ratifying
election.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.