BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2095
80R3024 DRH-D By: Guillen (Zaffirini)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Many federal programs are designated specifically for cities. Certain programs, such as a mass transit program administered by the Texas Department of Transportation are reserved for municipalities or counties with an incorporated municipality. Because several Texas counties do not have incorporated municipalities, they are unable to access important federal funds.
H.B. 2095 authorizes counties with no incorporated areas, but that have ordinance making authority, to be eligible for any federal grant or funding program for which cities are eligible.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 81, Local Government Code, by adding Section 81.034, as follows:
Sec. 81.034. ELIGIBILITY OF COUNTY WITH NO INCORPORATED TERRITORY TO PARTICIPATE IN MUNICIPAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. Provides that a county that has the power to enact ordinances under Section 81.033 (Power of Commissioners Court in County With No Incorporated Territory) is eligible as if it were a municipality for the purpose of participating in any federal or state program that provides grants, loans, or other assistance to municipalities.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2007.