Texas House Bill HB4322

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Val Verde County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees, surcharges, and taxes.

Impact

The legislation is significant in that it sets a legal framework for groundwater management, addressing issues regarding water availability and sustainability in Val Verde County. By creating this district, the Bill aims to alleviate pressure on local aquifers, implement conservation measures, and regulate water usage efficiently. The bill specifies that the district can impose a maximum ad valorem tax of up to five cents per $100 valuation to fund its operations and projects. Such measures are critical for managing water resources in a region prone to drought.

Summary

House Bill 4322 establishes the Val Verde County Groundwater Conservation District, aimed at managing and conserving groundwater resources in the region. This bill outlines the creation of the district and grants it the authority to impose fees, surcharges, and taxes, as well as the capacity to issue bonds. The primary goal is to ensure sustainable water use, especially given the challenges of drought and declining water levels in the aquifer that serves Val Verde County. The district is expected to oversee groundwater production and conservation projects, ultimately benefiting the land and residents within its boundaries.

Contention

While the bill promotes necessary regulation of water resources, it may also lead to debates regarding local control and the balance between regulatory authority and individual property rights. Proponents argue that centralized management is essential for protecting water resources; however, concerns about the potential overreach of regulatory powers and the impact on agricultural and residential well users have been raised. The confirmed establishment of the district requires a successful confirmation election, and if such a confirmation does not take place by the specified deadline, the district would dissolve, raising questions about future groundwater management in the county.