Texas House Bill HB2859

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/8/11
• Voted on by House: 4/27/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/11/11
• Report Pass: 3/31/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/19/11
• Engrossed: 4/27/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/11/11
• Enrolled: 5/20/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Terrell County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.

Impact

The creation of the Terrell County Groundwater Conservation District will empower local authorities to have greater control over groundwater use and conservation efforts, particularly vital in areas where water resources are limited. By allowing the district to impose reasonable fees on wells and manage groundwater extraction processes, the bill seeks to ensure sustainable water resource management aligned with the specific needs of Terrell County's agricultural community.

Summary

House Bill 2859 establishes the Terrell County Groundwater Conservation District, aiming to enhance groundwater management and conservation within the county. The bill allows the newly formed district to impose taxes and issue bonds to support its activities. Specifically, HB2859 outlines the structure of the district, including governance by a board of directors predominantly representing agricultural interests, and stipulates the requirements and limitations for the financial operations of the district.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at improving local water management, there are potential points of contention surrounding the imposition of fees and taxes. Critics may argue that the financial burdens placed on well owners could be challenging, especially for smaller farms or residents. Additionally, concerns regarding the balance of urban versus agricultural representation on the board could arise if urban interests feel marginalized in decision-making processes that significantly impact water access and allocation.