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


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 776
By: Tillery (Cain)
Natural Resources
5-8-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


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.  C.S.H.B. 776 would delete
agricultural land from the definition of benefitted property for cities
with populations of over one million.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.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. Amends Section 402.047(b), Local Government Code, to authorize
the governing body of the municipality to consider the size, in area, and
the number of water meters in assessing the drainage charge to the
property. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 2.

Amends Section 402.047(b), Local Government Code, to add text authorizing
the governing body of the municipality to consider the number of water
meters in assessing drainage charges.