BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1123

                                                                                                                                              By: Ellis

Intergovernmental Relations

4/2/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

As proposed, S.B. 1123 creates a management district on property adjacent to Reliant Park in the City of Houston. The management district will have the ability to finance certain services and facilities and contract with other entities to provide certain major mixed-use projects.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTIONS 1 - 30.  Sets forth standard language for the creation of the Harris County Improvement District No. 8 (district) in Harris County. Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

Creation, definitions, boundaries, and purpose of the district (Section 1-3);

Size, composition, terms, and election of the board  of directors of the district (Sections 4-11, Section 17);

Powers and duties of the district (Sections 12-16);

Authority to impose an ad valorem tax and to impose and collect assessments (Sections 18-22); and

General financial provisions and authority to issue bonds and other obligations with municipal approval (Section 23-30).

Prohibits the use of eminent domain (Section 12).

SECTION 31. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and the 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 30 [sic]. Authorizes a rapid transit authority to contract with the district for certain purposes.

SECTION 31 [sic]. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.