Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB3805

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
4/21/11  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to director elections and powers of the Texana Groundwater Conservation District.

Impact

One of the significant implications of HB 3805 is the explicit prohibition of eminent domain powers for the Texana Groundwater Conservation District. Previously, the district had the authority to exercise eminent domain under certain conditions, which has often been a point of contention among local governments and property owners. The removal of this power means that the district will have to rely exclusively on contracts and collaboration with other governmental entities to fulfill its functions, potentially affecting its operational capacity and relationships with neighboring jurisdictions.

Summary

House Bill 3805 aims to amend the governance structure and election processes of the Texana Groundwater Conservation District in Texas. Key changes include shifting the election of board directors to a uniform date in November of even-numbered years, which is intended to align the district's election schedule with general election practices. This could potentially increase voter participation in the elections for district directors and improve oversight of groundwater management in the region.

Contention

The bill’s provisions could lead to debates around local governance and state control over groundwater management. Supporters argue that the changes will enhance transparency and accountability among board members by synchronizing election dates with other jurisdictions. However, detractors might express concern that limiting the powers of the district could hinder its effectiveness in conducting necessary groundwater conservation activities. The validation of past governmental actions related to board member elections raises additional legal and ethical questions regarding accountability and governance within the district.

Companion Bills

TX SB1895

Identical Relating to director elections and powers of the Texana Groundwater Conservation District.

Previously Filed As

TX SB156

Relating to the regulation and management of the use of groundwater and regulation of groundwater conservation districts.

TX HB5025

Relating to the boundaries of the single-member districts for and vacancies on the board of directors of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.

TX HB2900

Relating to the powers, duties, and use of funds of the Trinity Bay Conservation District.

TX HB3731

Relating to the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.

TX SB2116

Relating to the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.

TX SB2570

Relating to the creation of the Webb County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to impose fees.

TX SB962

Relating to the effect of a change in the boundaries of the single-member districts from which the members of the board of directors of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District are elected.

TX SB638

Relating to the procedures for acting on a permit or permit amendment application by a groundwater conservation district and the disqualification of board members of groundwater conservation districts.

TX SB1056

Relating to the directors and administration of the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3.

TX HB1971

Relating to the procedures for acting on a permit or permit amendment application by a groundwater conservation district and the disqualification of board members of groundwater conservation districts.

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