BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 4650
	By: Rodriguez (Zaffirini)
	Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
	5/20/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Undeveloped land located within Travis County would benefit from the creation of a conservation and reclamation district.

H.B. 4650 would create the East Central Travis County Conservation and Reclamation District No. 1, subject to municipal consent and voter approval at a confirmation election.

It would grant the district the power to undertake certain road projects and provides for the division of the district into two or more new districts. H.B. 4650 authorizes the district, subject to certain requirements, to issue obligations and impose property, operation and maintenance, and contract taxes. Finally, H.B. 4650 expressly prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain if the bill does not receive a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house.

H.B. 4650 amends current law relating to the creation of the East Central Travis County Conservation and Reclamation District No. 1, provides authority to issue bonds, and provides authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.� Amends Subtitle F, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 7953A, as follows:

CHAPTER 7953A. EAST CENTRAL TRAVIS COUNTY CONSERVATION AND RECLAMATION DISTRICT NO. 1

Sets forth standard language for the creation of the East Central Travis County Conservation and Reclamation District No. 1 (district). Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

Creation and approval of the district (Sections 7953A.0101-7953A.0106);

Size, composition, election, and terms of the board of directors of the district (Sections 7953A.0201-7953A.0202);

Powers and duties of the district (Sections 7953A.0301-7953A.0307); and

General financial provisions and authority to impose a tax and to issue bonds and obligations for the district (Sections 7953A.0401-7953A.0503).

Prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.

SECTION 2. Sets forth the initial boundaries of the district.

SECTION 3. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and the laws of this state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and accomplished.

SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2021.