S.J.R. 30 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.J.R. 30
By: Lindsay
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. Many counties do not have the
necessary funds for the development of parks and recreational facilities.
As proposed, S.J.R. 30 amends the Texas Constitution so that the
development of parks and recreational facilities would be recognized as a
constitutionally authorized power of water districts, and therefore
eligible for tax-backed bond financing. 

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. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Adds development of parks and recreational facilities to the
list of declared public rights and duties for which the legislature shall
pass appropriate laws.  Authorizes districts located in Travis, Harris,
Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend, or Montgomery counties to engage in the
indebtedness necessary for the provision of parks and recreational
facilities.  Requires that a district's indebtedness abide by legal
regulations.  Enables the Legislature to authorize districts to levy and
collect taxes to pay for bonds and the maintenance of parks and
recreational facilities.  Prohibits the Legislature from authorizing a
district's indebtedness unless that proposition is adopted by the
district's voters. 

SECTION 2. Provides that the legislature intends by the amendment proposed
by Section 1 of this resolution to expand the authority of conservation
and reclamation districts with respect to parks and recreational
facilities. 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. 

SECTION 3. Requires the proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an 
election to be held November 4, 2003. Requires the ballot to be printed to
permit voting for or against the specific proposition. 

FOR ELECTION

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