Relating to the creation of the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.
Impact
The creation of the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District would impact state law by instituting a local governance structure specifically designed to focus on groundwater conservation. The bill outlines a process for a confirmation election where local voters can approve or disapprove the formation of the district. Should the majority favor its creation, it would empower the district to implement regulations aimed at protecting groundwater supplies. The imposed tax could help fund initiatives for monitoring and maintaining groundwater quality and availability, thus enhancing local water management strategies.
Summary
House Bill 4705 introduces the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District, aimed at promoting the sustainable management of groundwater resources in Jim Hogg, Brooks, and Hidalgo Counties. This bill establishes the framework for creating the groundwater conservation district, detailing its governance and regulatory authority. The bill allows for the imposition of a maintenance tax not to exceed three cents on each $100 of assessed valuation of taxable property and grants the district authority to issue bonds for financial sustainability. This signifies an effort to manage and conserve water resources critically needed in this region, which often faces water scarcity issues.
Contention
Points of contention surrounding HB 4705 may arise primarily from landowners concerned about the authority of the new district over their water rights and usage. The provisions for levying taxes and the potential regulation of groundwater usage could be seen as government overreach by some stakeholders. Furthermore, the bill includes strict guidelines on how groundwater can be transferred out of the district, which may lead to debates on the balance between conservation efforts and individual property rights. The electoral process for confirming the district also introduces an element of uncertainty, depending on the responses of local voters to various information campaigns.
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Waller County Municipal Utility District No. 56; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Harris-Waller Counties Municipal Utility District No. 8; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Tarrant County Municipal Utility District No. 2; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Liberty County Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Liberty County Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Austin County Municipal Utility District No. 3; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Williamson County Development District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Western Travis County Groundwater Conservation District; providing general law authority to issue bonds and exercise the power of eminent domain; providing general law authority to impose assessments, fees, surcharges, or taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees.
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.
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.