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.