SRC-JBJ H.B. 1380 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1380 76R9166 SMJ-DBy: Allen (West) Infrastructure 4/19/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, cities are authorized to levy, with voter approval, additional taxes and fees to finance "venue projects." The examples of venue projects presently listed in the law all have the purpose of providing recreational, athletic, and civil opportunities which enhance the quality of life, motivate economic development, and attract tourists. There has been discussion of whether a city's parks and recreational system is included under the term venue project, and a recent attorney general's opinion asserts that it is not. Both the tax on car rentals and on hotel room rentals are exempted from use on venue projects within municipal parks and recreation systems. H.B. 1380 would permit local voters to decide whether to authorize taxes and fees to enhance and operate a city's parks and recreation system. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1380 sets forth venue projects that may be authorized and financed by a municipality. 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 334.001(4), Local Government Code, to redefine "venue." Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 334E, Local Government Code, by adding Section 334.1015, as follows: Sec. 334.2515. APPLICATION. Provides that this subchapter does not apply to the financing of a venue project that is an area or facility that is part of a municipal parks and recreation systems. SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 334H, Local Government Code, by adding Section 334.2515, as follows: Sec. 334.2515. APPLICATION. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 4.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.