Texas Senate Bill SB1544

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/1/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/16/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/13/09
• Report Pass: 5/12/09

Caption

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.