SRC-TJG S.J.R. 30 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.J.R. 30
78R5452 RCJ-FBy: Lindsay
Natural Resources
3/3/2003
As Filed


DIGEST 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

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

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.  

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.