SRC-TJG S.B. 1016 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1016 78R3374 MI-FBy: Wentworth Natural Resources 3/24/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE In May of 2000, San Antonio voters approved a proposition 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 leave it undeveloped as a means of protecting the aquifer. A restriction contained in the Local Government Code limits such venue projects to within the "municipality or county." As proposed, S.B. 1016 provides that an approved venue project includes a watershed protection and preservation project, conservation easements, an open space preservation program intended to protect water, or any water project authorized under the Texas Water Code and Texas Local Government Code. This bill also provides that certain new venue projects are not limited to the city limits or the county where the city is located. 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, by adding a watershed protection and preservation project, a conservation easement, an open-space preservation program intended to protect water, or any water project authorized for a municipality under Chapter 401 (Water Control by Municipalities) or under the Water Code to the definition of a "venue." SECTION 2. 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 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.