HBA-JLV H.B. 3665 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3665
By: Miller
Natural Resources
67/18/2001
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 3665 creates the Cross Timbers
Groundwater Conservation District, subject to voter approval at a
confirmation election, in Callahan, Erath, Somervell, Bosque, Comanche,
Eastland, Coryell, and Hamilton Counties. 

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 3665 creates the Cross Timbers Groundwater Conservation
District, subject to voter approval at a confirmation election, in
Callahan, Erath, Somervell, Bosque, Comanche, Eastland, Coryell, and
Hamilton Counties.   

The bill provides that the district is governed by a board of not fewer
than five or more than 16 directors (board) and sets forth provisions
regarding the compensation, election, appointment, qualifications,
residency, and terms of the directors. The bill lists the names of the
temporary board of directors. The bill sets forth provisions regarding an
election to confirm the establishment of the district. 

The bill authorizes the board to impose taxes annually to pay the
maintenance and operating expenses of the district at a rate not to exceed
five cents on each $100 of assessed valuation. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.