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Senate Bill 2507 |
Senate Author: Jackson, Mike |
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Effective: 6-19-09 |
House Sponsor: Legler |
Senate Bill 2507 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Harris County Improvement District No. 16. The bill grants the district the powers of a Type B development corporation and a municipal management district, as well as authority to establish economic development programs and the powers of a municipality under Local Government Code provisions relating to planning and development. The district may contract for law enforcement services, pursue a public transit system and parking facilities, and adopt associated fees, charges, or tolls and issue associated bonds or notes to finance them. The district must obtain voter approval to impose property taxes or issue bonds payable from property taxes and must obtain approval from the City of Houston for the issuance of bonds and for the plans and specifications of certain improvement projects. The district may limit improvements, facilities, or services and their supportive taxes and bonds to a defined area or designated properties. However, it is prohibited from using assessments to finance a service or improvement project unless petitioned by a requisite number of real property owners in the assessed area. Assessments and impact fees may not be imposed on a gas or electric utility, a power generation company, or certain providers of telecommunications services. The bill authorizes the district to grant tax or assessment abatements, provides that all or any part of the district may be included in a reinvestment zone or enterprise zone, and includes provisions relating to annexations and exclusions. It prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.