Texas House Bill HB3781

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Val Verde County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees, surcharges, and taxes.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to significantly impact water management practices in Val Verde County. The district will have the power to create different management zones to tailor regulations based on local needs and conditions. Coupled with the authority to impose a cap on property taxes (not exceeding three cents per $100 of assessed property value), this bill aims to generate essential funding for groundwater conservation projects. The district will also manage the issuing of permits for groundwater production, thus ensuring sustainable usage.

Summary

House Bill 3781 establishes the Val Verde County Groundwater Conservation District, aimed at regulating and conserving groundwater resources within the county. This bill grants the district authority to issue bonds and impose fees, surcharges, and taxes to fund its operations. The district's mission includes the conservation, protection, and prevention of waste of groundwater in Val Verde County, and the regulation of groundwater production consistent with state laws.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 3781 is the establishment of the district's governance structure, which includes a board of nine directors. The appointment of these directors is designated to various local authorities, such as the Val Verde County Commissioners Court and the City Council of Del Rio. Opponents may question the representativeness of such selections and the effectiveness of the district in responding to the diverse needs of residents, especially regarding issues like water availability during drought conditions and impacts on agricultural practices.