H.J.R. 49 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.J.R. 49
By: Callegari
State Cultural and Recreational Resources
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, water district tax receipts may not be used for the development
of parks and recreational facilities.  H.J.R. 49 amends the Texas
Constitution so that the development of parks and recreational facilities
would be recognized as a constitutionally authorized power of water
districts. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department,
agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

HJR 49 includes the development of parks and recreational facilities as a
public right and duty for which the Legislature shall pass appropriate
laws. 

HJR 49 contains implementation language clarifying that the intent of the
amendment proposed in SECTION 1 of HJR 49 is to expand the authority of
conservation and reclamation districts to develop parks and recreational
facilities. HJR 49 also provides that the proposed amendment should not be
construed as a limitation on the powers of a district as those powers
exist immediately before the amendment takes place. 

HJR 49 requires that the proposed constitutional amendment be submitted to
Texas voters at an election to be held on November 4, 2003.  Requires that
the language on the ballot be as follows: "The constitutional amendment
relating to the provision of parks and recreational facilities by certain
conservation and reclamation districts." 

FOR ELECTION

This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at
an election to be held November 4, 2003.