BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 5334

By: Harless

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Cypress Creek Watershed has been subjected to numerous extensive flood events over the last several years. Following Hurricane Harvey, Harris County residents approved approximately $4 billion in bonds for flood mitigation projects. A number of such projects were identified within the watershed but a reprioritization of projects by the Harris County Commissioners Court has resulted in these projects not receiving sufficient funding. H.B. 5334 seeks to address this lack of funding for watershed projects by creating the Cypress Creek Drainage Improvement District, which will not have taxing or bonding authority but would acquire funding through donations, grants, and other sources.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 5334 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Cypress Creek Drainage Improvement District, subject to municipal consent and voter approval at a confirmation and permanent director election. The bill, if the district's creation is not confirmed and permanent directors are not elected before September 1, 2027, requires the district to be dissolved and requires the district's temporary board of directors, on the district's dissolution, to transfer all district assets, contractual rights, and obligations to the Harris County Flood Control District.

H.B. 5334 establishes that the Cypress Creek Drainage Improvement District has the powers and duties necessary to accomplish the purposes for which it is created, including those of a water control and improvement district. The bill authorizes the district to seek and use grants, gifts, donations, or money from other stormwater or drainage programs. The bill prohibits the district from issuing bonds or imposing a tax, fee, or assessment under specified statutory provisions or from exercising the power of eminent domain.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.