TITLE 31.NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

Part 17. TEXAS STATE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION BOARD

Chapter 520. DISTRICT OPERATIONS

Subchapter A. ELECTION PROCEDURES

31 TAC §520.3

The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (State Board) proposes an amendment to §520.3, concerning District Conducted Elections; Notice, to address those situations when no one files to run as a candidate.

The State Board proposes new §520.3(d) to specify that in the event that no one files to run as a candidate as prescribed by §201.073(b), Agriculture Code of Texas, it is presumed that the incumbent in that position has resigned and vacated the position and a vacancy exists from the election date forward and that the district board by majority vote may then appoint a director for the vacancy as prescribed by §201.076, Agriculture Code of Texas, provided the appointment is not an individual presumed to have resigned from that position.

Kenny Zajicek, Fiscal Officer of the State Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of administering the amendment as proposed.

Mr. Zajicek has also determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the amended section will be a procedure to address those situations when no one files to run as candidate. There is no anticipated cost to individuals or small businesses resulting from the amendment.

Comments on the proposed amendment may be submitted in writing to Rex Isom, Executive Director, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, P.O. Box 658, Temple, Texas 76503, (254) 773-2250, extension 231.

The amendment is proposed under the Agriculture Code, Title 7, Chapter 201, §201.020, which authorizes the State Board to adopt rules that are necessary for the performance of its functions under the Agriculture Code, which authorizes the State Board to adopt reasonable rules that are necessary to carry out the provisions of that chapter.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by this proposal.

§520.3.District Conducted Elections; Notice.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) In the event that no one files a written notice of candidacy as prescribed by §201.073(b), Agriculture Code of Texas, it is presumed that any incumbent in that position has resigned and vacated the position and a vacancy exist from the election date forward. The board by majority vote may then appoint a director for the vacancy as prescribed by §201.076, Agriculture Code of Texas, provided the appointment is not an individual presumed to have resigned from that position.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 23, 2012.

TRD-201200284

Mel Davis

Special Projects Coordinator

Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 4, 2012

For further information, please call: (254) 773-2250 x252