HBA-MPA H.B. 1380 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1380
By: Allen
Urban Affairs
3/1/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

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 civic opportunities which enhance the quality of life,
motivate economic development, and attract tourists. There has been
discussion of whether a city's parks and recreation system is included
under the term venue project, and a recent attorney general's opinion
asserts that it is not.  H.B. 1380 gives local voters the option to decide
whether to  authorize taxes and fees under this section to enhance and
operate its parks and recreation system. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 334.001(4), Local Government Code, by adding to
the definition of "venue" an area or facility that is part of a municipal
parks and recreation system. Makes nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 2.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.