Texas Senate Bill SB832

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/16/11
• Introduced: 2/21/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/22/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/14/11
• Report Pass: 3/16/11
• Voted on by House: 4/14/11
• Engrossed: 3/22/11
• Governor Action: 4/29/11
• Report Pass: 4/7/11
• Enrolled: 4/18/11
• Passed: 4/29/11

Caption

Relating to voter eligibility and registration in El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1.

Impact

The introduction of SB832 is expected to have a significant impact on local governance in El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1. By defining eligibility criteria explicitly linked to land ownership and use of irrigation water, the bill aims to align voter representation with individuals who are actively involved in agricultural practices within the district. This could strengthen the accountability of district governance by ensuring voters are directly affected by and have a vested interest in the policies that govern water usage and management.

Summary

SB832 is a legislative act that addresses voter eligibility and registration specifically for El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1. The bill stipulates that individuals wishing to vote in district elections must meet certain criteria: they must be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, and hold title to or have an interest in irrigable land within the district's boundaries. Additionally, to vote, individuals must also receive and use irrigation water delivered by the district's canal system. This act ensures that only those who have a direct stake in the resource management of the district are allowed to participate in its elections.

Contention

While the bill aims to create a more targeted voter base, it may also raise concerns regarding accessibility and inclusivity. Critics might argue that by limiting voting eligibility to those with specific land interests, the bill disenfranchises certain residents who may have indirect interests or stakeholders in the district's water resources, including renters, local businesses, and community members whose livelihoods depend on irrigation. The balance between ensuring appropriate voter representation and maintaining accessible democratic processes could become a point of contention in discussions surrounding this legislation.