Texas Senate Bill SB1755

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/31/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/9/09
• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09
• Voted on by House: 5/7/09
• Governor Action: 5/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/7/09
• Passed: 5/19/09

Caption

Relating to the election of directors of the Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB1755 have significant implications for the governance structure of the Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District. By extending the terms of directors to four years and aligning election timing to November, the bill seeks to create a more stable and predictable governance framework. This could enhance the district's capability to manage water resources effectively, given that directors will hold office longer, allowing for continuity of policies and decisions.

Summary

SB1755 amends the provisions governing the election of directors for the Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District. The bill establishes that after the initial election, all directors will serve four-year terms, with directors' terms being staggered. It specifies that elections for the appropriate number of directors will occur on uniform election days in November of even-numbered years, rather than the previously established date in May. This shift aims to align the election schedule of the district with statewide electoral practices, potentially increasing voter participation.

Contention

While the bill appears to have garnered support for its potential to streamline electoral processes, there may be concerns regarding the length of director terms and the potential for limited turnover. Critics could argue that longer terms might lead to a lack of responsiveness to community needs and issues, as fewer elections could reduce opportunities for public engagement. Additionally, the requirement for staggered terms may complicate the election landscape, potentially leading to voter fatigue or confusion during election cycles.