By: Gonzales, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Lucio) H.B. No. 573

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 14, 2007; May 15, 2007, read first time and referred to Committee on Intergovernmental Relations; May 18, 2007, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 3, Nays 0; May 18, 2007, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to providing street lights in a subdivision in the unincorporated area of certain counties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 280, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 280.003 to read as follows:

Sec. 280.003. STREET LIGHTS IN SUBDIVISION LOCATED IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. (a) This section applies only to the unincorporated area of a county that has any of its territory located within 150 miles of an international boundary.

(b) The commissioners court of the county may by order provide for the establishment of street lights along a county road located in a subdivision. The order may provide for:

(1) the installation, operation, and maintenance of the street lights by:

(A) the county; or

(B) another public or private entity with which the county may contract;

(2) the imposition of a fee on landowners in the subdivision who benefit from the street lights;

(3) collection of a fee imposed under this subsection by:

(A) the county; or

(B) another public or private entity with which the county may contract; and

(4) any other matter the commissioners court finds necessary to the installation, operation, or maintenance of the street lights.

(c) This section does not supersede applicable provisions for street light service contained in the tariff of an electric utility that provides service to the subdivision.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

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