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.