BILL ANALYSIS
By: Casteel
Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
In 1989, Chapter 324 of the Local Government Code was created to allow a county, with river frontage of both the Guadalupe and Comal rivers, to create a park and recreation district in the unincorporated area of the county.
HB 422 will amend the statute to allow the district to run more smoothly and bring more equity in the district taxing authority.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
Section 1. amends Chapter 324.046(d), Local Government Code, to allow the board to meet in a county in which at least part of the district is located.
Section 2. amends Chapter 324.062(a), Local Government Code, to allow the board to hire any other support personnel or agents the board considers necessary.
Section 3. amends Chapter 324.064(b), Local Government Code, to allow the board to enter into a contract up to $25,000 without advertisement. However, if it is more than $25,000, the contract is subject to the bidding provisions for contracts applicable to the county.
Section 4. amends Chapter 324.095(a) to allow the board to use revenue to purchase a river access location for a visitor=s center or a district office.
Section 5. amends Chapter 324.099(b) to allow the district to levy taxes on dry boat storage.
Section 6. amends Chapter 324.100 to allow the board to use its revenue for the construction of facilities to house district personnel and equipment, as well as, lease property necessary to benefit the district.
Section 7. states the change in law only affects the district=s authority to enter into a contract if the contract is entered into on or after the effective date. A contract entered into before the effective date is covered by law that existed at the time the contract was entered into and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
Section 8. defines the effective date as September 1, 2005.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005.