S.B. No. 1359 proposes the establishment of the Wise Regional Water District, which will be governed by a board of directors with the authority to issue bonds, impose fees, and exercise limited eminent domain powers. The district will cover Wise County and may include areas served by governmental or private entities that contract with it. The bill defines key terms such as "contract member," "participant," and "service area," and outlines the process for adding or removing participants. The governance structure includes directors appointed by county commissioners and governing bodies of participants, with specific criteria for decision-making to ensure compliance with existing financial obligations.

The bill also details the management and financial operations of the district, including the authority to adopt and collect charges for services, and the ability to create subdistricts to enhance service development. It mandates that subdistricts be governed by a board of supervisors, with initial members appointed by the district and subsequent members elected. Importantly, the district cannot levy or collect ad valorem taxes, and any conflicting general laws will be superseded by this chapter. The legislation aims to improve water and wastewater service management in the region while ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations.

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