Texas Senate Bill SB2520

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/1/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/13/09
• Voted on by House: 5/25/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/26/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to election and qualifications of members of the board of directors of the Santa Rita Underground Water Conservation District.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of SB2520 is the changing nature of how board members are elected and what qualifications they must meet. Local control is bolstered, as the district’s governance structure becomes more tailored to community-specific needs. Moreover, the alterations to the election processes may lead to more responsive and informed leadership within the water conservation district. Overall, this legislation reflects an ongoing commitment to enhancing local governance in water management, which is critical given the current environmental challenges.

Summary

SB2520 is an act that modifies the election and qualifications of members of the board of directors of the Santa Rita Underground Water Conservation District. The bill stipulates that the district must be governed by a board of five directors who must be at least 18 years old and residents of the district. This change aims to ensure that the directors are directly connected to the community they serve, enhancing local governance in water conservation efforts. Additionally, the bill clarifies that certain sections of the Election Code and Water Code do not apply to the district, which could simplify the election processes involved in board appointments.

Contention

Notably, the bill addresses the exemption of certain provisions typically applied by state codes, which could lead to debates regarding the implications of such exemptions. Opponents may argue that easing certain regulations could lead to less oversight, while proponents are likely to argue that local entities are better positioned to manage their affairs without the burden of state-level constraints. The discussions surrounding this legislative piece highlight the tension between local governance and state regulation, especially concerning natural resource management.