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.