BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 5359

By: Bucy

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Williamson County is one of the fastest growing counties in Texas and the nation with a burgeoning population. That said, the county's unincorporated areas struggle with funding and resources for the economic development tools needed for infrastructure projects that will ensure this development and provide the quality of life that current and new residents deserve. It has been suggested that an area located within Williamson County would benefit from the creation of a development district. H.B. 5359 seeks to provide for the creation of such a district.

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. 5359 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Williamson County Development District No. 1 to provide certain improvements, projects, and services for public use and benefit. The bill provides for, among other provisions, certain legislative findings, the applicability of municipal management districts law to the district, specific district powers including those of a municipal utility district, strategic partnership agreements, utility property exemption from impact fees and assessments, applicable competitive bidding provisions, tax and assessment abatements, and taxes for certain defined areas and designated property. The district's powers and duties include, subject to certain requirements, the authority to issue obligations and impose assessments and sales and use, hotel occupancy, property, and operation and maintenance taxes. The bill prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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