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.