AUSTIN -- Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, filed legislation last Friday (Feb. 2) to codify the authority of the Bee County Groundwater Conservation District (BCGCD) under the Special District Local Laws Code. Filed at the request of conservation district officials, Senate Bill 404 is a codification and will not make substantive changes to the law.

"I am pleased to assist Bee County by filing this bill that would hasten the process of classifying their Groundwater Conservation District under the Special District Local Laws Code," Senator Zaffirini said. "This legislation would make subsequent amendments to the code easier to administer and process, facilitating our future ability to act quickly and effectively in modifying and improving the Groundwater Conservation District."

The BCGCD was approved by voters in 2001 and was created to protect and conserve groundwater within its territory. In 2005 Senator Zaffirini passed SB 1799, which amended the BCGCD authority to include only certain chapters of the Texas Water Code, eliminating unnecessary authority and requirements that caused needless burdens and costs to the county and its taxpayers. SB 404 would ensure greater government efficiency for Bee County.

###