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.