BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 2021

80R13913 PEP-F                                                                                                       By: Wentworth

Intergovernmental Relations

5/5/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

As proposed, S.B. 2021 creates a special utility district to serve southern Travis County.  The purpose of the Southern Travis Special Utility District (district) would be to provide retail water service within the southern portion of Travis County.  The district would be governed by a board of five to 11 directors who serve four-year terms, with the bill naming five temporary directors.  The district will have the power to undertake activities related to the purpose of selling water to municipalities, private businesses, and individuals, including the power to purchase sources of water supply, build facilities for the transportation of water, and maintain the purity of the water within the district.  The district may finance its projects through the issuance of tax-exempt bonds.  The district will also have the power of eminent domain.

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 Subtitle C, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 7214, as follows:

CHAPTER 7214.  SOUTHERN TRAVIS SPECIAL UTILITY DISTRICT

Sets forth standard language for the creation of the Southern Travis Special Utility District (district) in Travis County.  Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

Creation and approval of the district (Sections 7214.001-7214.050)

Size, composition, election, and terms of the board of directors of the district (Sections 7214.051-7214.100); and

Power and duties of the district (Section 7214.101-7214.103).

Authorizes the use of eminent domain by the district.

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

SECTION 3.  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 4.  Provides that, to the extent of any conflict, this Act prevails over any provision of S.B. No. 1688, S.B. No. 1689, or H.B. No. 3719, if those Acts are passed by the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, and become law.

SECTION 5.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.