Texas Senate Bill SB2529

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/28/09
• 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 the creation of the Red River Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; granting the power of eminent domain.

Impact

The legislation impacts state laws concerning groundwater management by introducing specific provisions for the creation and governance of local groundwater districts. Under SB2529, the newly formed district will serve public interests in groundwater conservation, enabling it to regulate extraction processes and establish necessary fees. The district is precluded from imposing taxes but may generate revenue through water production fees, thereby financially empowering it to meet conservation goals and initiatives effectively.

Summary

SB2529 establishes the Red River Groundwater Conservation District, primarily focused on managing groundwater resources in Grayson and Fannin Counties, Texas. This bill empowers the district to levy production fees based on the amount of groundwater extracted, thereby creating a financial framework to support the conservation and management of these vital resources. The legislation aims to foster sustainable practices in groundwater extraction while ensuring that the local water needs of communities are adequately met.

Contention

One notable point of contention that may arise from SB2529 revolves around the governance structure of the district and the appointment of its directors. The bill stipulates that appointments shall be made by various municipal and county entities, which could lead to political disputes over representation. Furthermore, the specific provisions regarding fee assessments might draw scrutiny from local water users, especially agricultural interests, who could see these fees as burdensome. There may also be concerns regarding the balance between conservation efforts and economic impacts on water-dependent sectors.