SRC-SEW H.B. 995 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 995
77R4479 ATP-DBy: Keel (Wentworth)
Intergovernmental Relations
4/26/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law authorizes local option elections in any county for the
creation of public library districts funded by a local sales tax of up to
one-half of one percent. The general powers of a library district do not
include the improvement of land or the ability to pledge taxes as
collateral for debt.  H.B. 995 provides that the general powers of a
library district include the improvement of land and the ability to pledge
taxes as collateral for debt to further the purposes for which the district
was created.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 326.061(a), Local Government Code, to provide
that a library district has all of the powers, authority, rights, and
duties that will permit the accomplishment of the purposes for which the
district was created, including the power improve any land. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 326.095, Local Government Code, as follows:
 
Sec. 326.095.  USE OF TAX.  Authorizes taxes collected under this
subchapter to  be pledged as collateral for borrowing money to further
purposes for which the district was created. 
 
SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2001.