Texas House Bill HB4729

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/8/09

Caption

Relating to changes in the territory, board of directors, and water use fees of the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.

Impact

One significant impact of HB 4729 is the alteration of how the Board of Directors is composed, expanding its membership from five to seven directors. This change aims to enhance representation by incorporating directors elected both from newly annexed areas and existing districts. The bill also mandates that the board adjust single-member districts to accommodate population changes after each federal census, thereby ensuring that governance remains relevant and responsive to demographic shifts. These adjustments are expected to allow for better local oversight and management of the aquifer resources.

Summary

House Bill 4729 introduces comprehensive changes to the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, focusing specifically on the district's territory, governance structure, and water use fee regulations. The bill seeks to modify the territory of the district as outlined in prior legislative orders and to establish processes for annexing new areas. This includes the introduction of specific sections that detail the boundaries for certain voting districts and the requirement of a ratification election to confirm any territorial changes from the electorate, thereby increasing local engagement in governance decisions.

Contention

The notable points of contention surrounding HB 4729 include concerns related to the governance of local water resources and the implications of increasing the board's size. Critics may argue that expanding the governance structure could complicate decision-making, while proponents advocate for increased representation and oversight. Additionally, the requirement for a ratification election may introduce complexities in determining community consensus on annexations; thus, discussions around these provisions emphasize the balance between efficient governance and public engagement in water resource management.