HBA-JLV H.B. 3665 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3665 By: Miller Natural Resources 4/16/2001 Committee Report (Amended) 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, and Coryell 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, and Coryell Counties. The bill provides that the district is governed by a board of seven directors (board) and sets forth provisions regarding the compensation, election, appointment, qualifications, residency, and terms of the directors. The bill sets forth provisions regarding an election to confirm the establishment of the district. To pay the maintenance and operating costs of the district and to pay any bonds or notes issued by the district, the district is authorized to impose an ad valorem tax at a rate not to exceed five cents on each $100 valuation of taxable property in the district subject to voter approval, solicit and accept grants from any public or private source, and to establish and collect fees. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001. EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS Committee Amendment No. 1 includes Hamilton County in the Cross Timbers Groundwater Conservation District and provides that the boundaries of the district are partially coextensive with the boundaries of Hamilton County. The amendment requires the commissioner's court of Hamilton County to appoint one temporary director to represent that county.