BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 1937

79R11192 ATP-F                                                                                                 By: Ritter (Seliger)

Intergovernmental Relations

5/9/2005

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

In 1999, the 76th Legislature enacted legislation to allow counties with a population of less than 45,000 to call an election to create a county assistance district.  A county assistance district may impose a sales and use tax for the construction, maintenance, or improvement of roads; to assist in law enforcement and detention services; for maintenance or improvement of libraries, museums, parks, or other recreational facilities; and to assist in providing for the public health and welfare.

H.B. 1937 expands the eligibility criteria so that additional counties qualify to elect to create a county assistance district.

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 387.002, Local Government Code, to make modifications to the list of certain provisions that, if met, makes this chapter applicable to a county with a population of less than 45,000.

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 387.003(a), Local Government Code, to include the promotion of economic development and tourism as a function of a county assistance district.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.