SRC-SEW S.B. 1776 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1776 77R10695 TBy: Lindsay Intergovernmental Relations 4/5/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The Texas Constitution provides for the creation of conservation and reclamation districts which are authorized to incur indebtedness to provide for permanent improvements and to levy taxes for the maintenance and operation of such improvements and for the repayment of indebtedness. Continuing development and growth in The Woodlands area of southern Montgomery County and northern Harris County has created the need for large-scale, permanent improvements such as water distribution facilities, wastewater collection and transportation lines, drainage projects, and other conservation and reclamation projects. As proposed, S.B. 1776 creates a conservation and reclamation district to be known as the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 387 over a portion of the land to be developed as a continuation of The Woodlands in the northern portion of Harris County. 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. CREATION. Creates the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 387 (district), subject to approval at a confirmation election under Section 9 of this Act. Provides that the district is a governmental agency and a body politic and corporate and is created under and is essential to accomplish the purposes of Article XVI, Section 59, of the Texas Constitution. SECTION 2. DEFINITION. Defines "district." SECTION 3. BOUNDARIES. Sets forth the boundaries of the district. SECTION 4. FINDINGS RELATING TO BOUNDARIES. Presents legislative findings relating to the boundaries of the district. SECTION 5. FINDING OF BENEFIT. Provides findings of benefit. SECTION 6. POWERS. Sets forth guidelines regarding the district's rights, powers, privileges, authority, functions, and duties. SECTION 7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth guidelines regarding the district's board of directors. SECTION 8. APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY DIRECTORS. Sets forth guidelines regarding the appointment of temporary directors. SECTION 9. CONFIRMATION AND INITIAL DIRECTORS' ELECTION. Requires the temporary board of directors to call and hold an election to confirm establishment of the district and to elect five initial directors as provided by Chapter 49 (Provisions Applicable to all Districts), Water Code. SECTION 10. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Sets forth guidelines and requirements for an election held in the district for the election of directors. SECTION 11. COMPLIANCE WITH CITY ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION. Requires the district, subject to the limitations of Section 54.016 (Consent of City), Water Code, to comply with all valid and applicable requirements of any ordinance or resolution adopted by the city council of the City of Houston, including an ordinance or resolution adopted before the effective date of this Act, that consents to the creation of the district or to the inclusion of lands within the district. SECTION 12. FINDINGS RELATING TO PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. Presents findings related to procedural requirements. SECTION 13. EMERGENCY. Effective date: upon passage.