Relating to the election of the commissioners of the Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7.
Summary
HB 5693 amends the local act governing Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 to change how its board of commissioners is elected. The bill requires the district to hold elections on the uniform election date in November of odd-numbered years, rather than using the prior election method referenced in the existing law, and it preserves the rule that no more than one commissioner may be elected from the same municipality so long as five municipalities remain in the district. It also keeps the board at five commissioners with staggered four-year terms and a majority quorum requirement.
The bill sets out transition provisions to move the district onto the new election schedule. Two commissioners are to be elected in November 2025, with the commissioners elected in May 2022 continuing in office until their successors qualify, and three commissioners are to be elected in November 2027, with the commissioners elected in May 2024 continuing until successors qualify. The act takes effect September 1, 2025, and includes standard findings that notice and procedural requirements were satisfied.
Impact
HB 5693 changes a special law applicable only to Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 by altering the timing and structure of commissioner elections. It does not create a new statewide program, but it does amend the district’s governing statute to align elections with the uniform November election date in odd-numbered years and to phase in the new schedule through 2025 and 2027. The bill affects the district’s board composition, election administration, and the tenure of current commissioners, while leaving the general law framework for drainage district commissioners in place except as specifically modified.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been noncontroversial and broadly supported. It passed the House overwhelmingly and was reported favorably in the Senate Local Government Committee by a 6-0 vote, with no committee transcript indicating opposition or debate. The available voting history suggests little to no resistance to the measure, consistent with a technical or administrative local-government bill.
Contention
No significant points of contention are evident in the available record. The only substantive policy choice reflected in the bill is the shift to uniform November election dates and the transition schedule for current commissioners, but there is no indication that these changes were disputed. Any potential concern would likely be limited to local election timing, board continuity, or representation among municipalities within the district, rather than broader statewide policy issues.
Relating to the powers, duties, and governance of the Starr County Drainage District, changing the name of the Starr County Drainage District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District, and the dissolution and transfer of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District; authorizing the imposition of a tax.
Relating to the powers, duties, and governance of the Starr County Drainage District, the change of the name of the Starr County Drainage District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District, the dissolution of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District, and the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District; authorizing the imposition of a tax.
Relating to consent by a county commissioners court for the creation of certain conservation and reclamation districts in the unincorporated area of the county.
Establishes grant program for school districts to develop in-district and collaborative special education programs and services to reduce need to place classified students out-of-district.