BILL ANALYSIS
By: Creighton
Local Government Ways & Means
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
In the 78th Legislative Session, SJR 30 and SB 624 by Senator Lindsay allowed for conservation and reclamation districts in certain counties to issue bonds for the creation of recreational facilities. The constitutional amendment approved by the voters in 2003 included Montgomery County in the list of counties permitted to do so, but the county was not included in the enabling legislation, SB 624. Therefore, although they are constitutionally permitted to issue such bonds, there is no statutory language supporting such a right. This bill adds Montgomery County to the list of counties whose conservation and reclamation districts are authorized to issue bonds for recreational facilities, with the exception of districts in certain areas.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
This bill amends the Water Code to add Montgomery County to the list of counties in which conservation and reclamation districts are authorized to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to pay for development and maintenance of recreational facilities if the bonds are authorized by a majority of voters.
If voters in Montgomery County vote to authorize bonds after September 13, 2003, but before the effective date of this Act, the bond authorization is valid and no further election is required.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
The substitute replaces a reference to "The Woodlands" with more general bracketing language to include certain planned communities.