Relating to the creation of the Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.
Impact
The bill seeks to enforce a structured approach to groundwater regulation under the provisions outlined in Chapter 36 of the Water Code. It enables the district to impose fees for groundwater production, which will be essential for funding its operations and initiatives aimed at resource conservation. However, it specifically prohibits the district from imposing any taxes. The implementation of production fees is designed to incentivize responsible groundwater use while ensuring that the district's objectives can be financially supported. This structured approach is expected to lead to a more consistent and legally compliant attempt to manage and conserve vital water resources.
Summary
SB1544, relating to the creation of the Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District, establishes a framework for the management and conservation of groundwater resources across Ellis, Hill, Johnson, and Somervell Counties in Texas. The bill provides the newly formed district with the authority to issue bonds and grants limited powers of eminent domain, which are intended for the purposes of acquiring property necessary for the district's operations to ensure sustainable groundwater management. This legislation is part of a wider effort to address ongoing concerns about groundwater depletion and to enhance water resource management in the region.
Contention
One significant aspect of SB1544 is the limitation on the imposition of taxes, with the district only permitted to assess fees for water production. This limitation may lead to debates regarding funding strategies for the district and its operations, potentially impacting the scale and effectiveness of the groundwater conservation efforts. Additionally, issues surrounding the powers of eminent domain could raise concerns among property owners about their rights. The act of designating new governing members and the overall management practices might also be contentious, particularly if stakeholders feel that their interests are inadequately represented in the decision-making process.
Relating to the creation of the Cross Timbers Regional Utility Authority; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.
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 Guadalupe County 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 Guadalupe County 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 Liberty Hill Municipal Utility District; 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 Theon Ranches Municipal Utility District No. 4; 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 Denton County Municipal Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes; granting a limited power of eminent domain.
Relating to the creation of the Denton County Municipal Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes; granting a limited power of eminent domain.
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 Harrison County and Prairielands Groundwater Conservation Districts; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds and granting a limited power of eminent domain.
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.
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.
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.