SRC-TNM H.B. 776 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 776
By: Tillery (Cain)
Natural Resources
5-5-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, Chapter 402C, Local Government Code, contains the Municipal
Drainage Utility Systems Act.  This Act contains the authority for cities
to assess drainage charges on "benefitted property." These charges may be
determined on any basis other than ad valorem.  H.B. 776 would delete
agricultural land from the definition of benefitted property for cities
with populations of over one million.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 776 outlines provisions regarding a municipal drainage
utility system. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 402.044(1), Local Government Code, to define
"benefitted property," in a municipality with a population of more than
1,000,000, as a lot or tract, but does not include land appraised for
agricultural use, to which drainage is made available under this
subchapter and which discharges into a creek, river, slough, culvert, or
other channel that is part of the municipality's drainage utility system. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.