HBA-LJP H.B. 3626 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3626
By: Hardcastle
Natural Resources
7/19/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Texas faces a difficult challenge to develop water policies that serve both
state and regional interests.  The Texas Constitution authorizes the
creation of groundwater conservation districts to plan, develop, and
regulate the use of water.  House Bill 3626 ratifies the creation of the
Tri-County Groundwater Conservation District, subject to voter approval at
a confirmation election. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 3626 amends law to ratify the creation of the Tri-County
Groundwater Conservation District (district) in Foard, Hardeman, and
Wilbarger counties, subject to voter approval at a confirmation election. 

The bill authorizes the district to levy and collect an ad valorem tax in
the district at a rate not to exceed one cent on each $100 of assessed
valuation. 

The bill provides that the district is governed by a board of six directors
and provides for the appointment of directors by the commissioners court of
each county. The bill sets forth provisions regarding the appointment,
qualifications, terms, and compensation of the directors. The bill sets
forth provisions regarding an election to confirm establishment of the
district. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.