Bill

SB 855

84(R) - 2015
Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs
Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs
Land Management

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Judith Zaffirini

Bill Caption

Relating to the territory and board of the Canyon Regional Water Authority.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 855, if passed, would make small changes to a number of legal aspects regarding the Canyon Regional Water Authority. There are three changes; clarification of “member entities” and territory included, rules regarding the governing body, and eminent domain authority.

The first set of changes is essentially clerical, noting that the Canyon Regional Authority includes the entire territory, and all the administrative entities located within the service area. (These member entities are explicitly named in the bill for reference.) The second change is more substantive and would prohibit a trustee who serves on the governing body from also serving on the board. The third change clarifies where the authority derives its eminent domain authority from. (Namely section 49.222 of the Water Code.)

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 855 is mostly a clerical bill which clarifies current statute. That member entities and territory is more clearly defined and that eminent domain authority is clarified (not granted or expanded) are not serious issue. Prohibiting individuals from holding two positions simultaneously is prudent policy but does not affect our liberty principles. As such, we are neutral on SB 855.