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.