Texas Senate Bill SB726

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/17/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/22/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Report Pass: 5/19/09
• Enrolled: 6/1/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill provides a framework for local authorities to coordinate groundwater management efforts among different stakeholders such as agricultural and industrial interests. By creating a structured governance model, the district will facilitate better data collection and pollution investigation initiatives related to groundwater resources. While this aims to streamline local water management, it raises questions about the efficiency of state regulation versus local control and the potential for conflicts among competing interests in the use of groundwater resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 726 establishes the Harrison County Groundwater Conservation District, a specialized entity aimed at managing groundwater resources within Harrison County, Texas. The act empowers the district to impose a limited tax and issue bonds to fund its operations and activities, including the conservation and protection of groundwater. This legislative initiative reflects a growing recognition of the necessity for local authorities to address water scarcity and quality issues that directly impact agricultural, industrial, and residential areas.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has faced scrutiny and debate, particularly regarding the governance of the district and the imposition of taxes. The limit on the district's tax rate, set at 1.5 cents per $100 of valuation, may not suffice to cover extensive management needs or infrastructure development in times of drought. Additionally, the prohibition on using eminent domain limits the district's capacity to resolve land-use conflicts that may arise from conservation efforts. Such concerns reflect the complexities involved in balancing environmental protection with local economic needs.