BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 4825
81R35399 SJM-D By: Rose (Wentworth)
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
This bill creates the Driftwood Economic Development Municipal Management District (district). The purpose of the district is to assure that a high level of services are provided to both the residents and the commercial interests of a mixed-use development. The development seeks to preserve the character of the Hill Country and set an example for sustainable development in the area. The combination of vineyards, commercial activities, and residential uses will be a precedent-setting example of economic development for the area that creates jobs, embraces the agricultural traditions of the area, enhances the scenic beauty and protects the environment. This development will stimulate tourism, and tax revenues from the district will provide needed funding to preserve, maintain trails, landscaping and other services which are necessary for the restoration, preservation and enhancement of the scenic beauty and environment of the area.
C.S.H.B. 4825 amends current law relating to the creation of the Driftwood Economic Development Municipal Management District and provides authority to impose a tax. The bill prohibits the district from exercising 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 4, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 3858, as follows:
CHAPTER 3858. DRIFTWOOD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Sets forth standard language for the creation of the Driftwood Economic Development Municipal Management District (district) in the City of Dripping Springs. Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:
Creation, purpose, and approval of the district (Sections 3858.001-3858.050);
Size, composition, appointment, and terms of the board of directors of the district, including the naming of the initial directors (Sections 3858.051-3858.100);
Powers and duties of the district (Sections 3858.101-3858.150); and
General financial provisions and authority to impose a tax and impose and collect an assessment for purposes of the district (Sections 3858.151-3858.157).
Prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.
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. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.