BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 4004

                                                                                                                By: Vo, Allen, Alma (Ellis)

                                                                                                               Intergovernmental Relations

                                                                                                                                            5/17/2007

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The Alief area of Houston has experienced rapid growth and development but municipal improvements have not kept up with that growth.  While there is a vital need for municipal improvements, the area is unlikely to receive the influx of funds it needs for these improvements. 

 

Municipal management districts have been successful in supplementing the needs of many areas within larger Texas cities and have been successful, when managed correctly, at increasing property values and facilitating new development.

 

H.B. 4004 creates the International Management District (district) to administer and provide funding for neighborhood improvement projects and services.  It gives the district power to improve economic stability and encourage revitalization and reinvestment in the Alief area.  The district will be a municipal management district similar to those operating pursuant to Chapter 375 (Municipal Management Districts in General), Local Government Code, and Title 4 (Development and Improvement), Special District Local Laws Code.

 

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.  INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT DISTRICT.  Amends Subtitle C, Title 4, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 3849, as follows:

 

CHAPTER 3849.  INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

 

Sets forth the standard language for the creation of the International Management District (district).  Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

 

Creation and approval of the district (Sections 3849.001 - 3849.050);

 

Size, composition, election, and terms of the board of directors of the district (Sections 3849.051 - 3849.100);

 

Powers and duties of the district (Sections 3849.101 - 3849.150);

 

General financial provisions and authority to impose taxes and assessments and issue bonds and obligations for the district (Sections 3849.151 - 3849.200); and

 

Dissolution of district with outstanding debt (Section 3849.201).

 

Prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.

 

SECTION 2.  BOUNDARIES.  Sets forth the initial boundaries of the district.

 

SECTION 3.  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.  Provides that all requirements of the constitution and laws of this state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and accomplished.

 

SECTION 4.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.