HBA-LJP H.B. 787 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 787
By: Gallego
Natural Resources
2/18/2001
Introduced



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 787 creates the Brewster County
Groundwater Conservation District, subject to approval at a confirmation
election, to manage Brewster County's groundwater resources. 

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 787 creates the Brewster County Groundwater Conservation
District (district).  The bill prohibits the district from collecting an ad
valorem tax. 

The bill provides that the district is governed by a board of seven
directors and sets forth provisions regarding the composition and
administration of the board and the appointment, qualifications, and terms
of the directors.  The bill sets forth provisions regarding an election to
confirm the establishment of the district. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.