SRC-TJG C.S.H.B. 1150 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 1150
By: Puente (Wentworth)
Natural Resources
5/1/2003
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

San Antonio voters passed Proposition 3 in May of 2000, authorizing a
sales tax to fund a parks venue project.  The purpose of the project was
to locate and purchase undeveloped land in the recharge and contributing
zones of the Edwards Aquifer and to leave it undeveloped as a means of
protecting the aquifer from increased pollution.  A restriction contained
in the Local Government Code limits such venue projects to within the
municipality or county.  C.S.H.B. 1150 adds to the definition of "venue" a
watershed protection and preservation project, a conservation easement, a
recharge, recharge area, or recharge feature protection project, and an
open-space preservation project as being authorized under statute
governing sports and community venue projects. 

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 334.001(4), Local Government Code, to add a
watershed protection and preservation project, a recharge, recharge are,
or recharge feature protection project, a conservation easement, or an
open-space preservation program intended to protect water to the
definition of "venue."  Makes nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 334.041(f), Local Government Code, to provide
that this provision does not apply to a venue authorized under Section
334.001(4)(D) or (F). 

SECTION 3.  Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 334, Local Government Code, by
adding Section 334.007, as follows: 

Sec. 334.007.  RESTRICTION ON USE OF WATER OBTAINED AS RESULT OF
ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.  Authorizes water obtained as a result of an
acquisition of property for a project described by Section 334.001(4)(F)
to be used only for the maintenance of that property. 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 334.081, Local Government Code, by adding
Subsection (d) to provide that Subsection (c)(1) does not apply to a venue
project for a venue described by Section 334.001(4)(F). 

SECTION 5.  Amends Subchapter H, Chapter 334, Local Government Code, by
adding Section 334.2517, as follows: 

Sec. 334.2517.  USE OF REVENUE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.  Provides that this
subchapter does not apply to the financing of a venue project described by
Section 334.001(4)(F). 

SECTION 6.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.