BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.J.R. 132
81R25393 NC-D By: Corte, King, Susan (Wentworth)
S/C on Base Realignment and Closure
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
There are many military bases in Texas that provide tremendous economic benefits to the state, as well as to the counties and cities within which they are located. The billion of dollars in payrolls and federal investment related to these bases are in danger of being lost due to continued encroachment by development around the military installations. Municipal and county governments do not have a method to issue bonds or notes to raise revenue needed to acquire buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to military installations or to construct roadways or infrastructure to protect and promote the mission of the military installations.
This legislation authorizes municipalities and counties to issue bonds or notes to finance acquisition of buffer areas to prevent encroachment and to fund the construction of roadways or infrastructure to protect and promote the military installations.
H.J.R. 132 proposes a constitutional amendment relating to the financing, including through tax increment financing, of the acquisition by municipalities and counties of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to a military installation for certain purposes.
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 Article III, Texas Constitution, by adding Section 52k, as follows:
Sec. 52k. Authorizes the legislature by general law to authorize a municipality or county to issue bonds or notes to finance the acquisition of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to a military installation for the prevention of encroachment or for the construction of roadways, utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the mission of the military installation. Authorizes the municipality or county to pledge increases in ad valorem tax revenues imposed in the area by the municipality, county, or other political subdivisions for repayment of the bonds or notes.
SECTION 2. Requires the proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2009. Sets forth the required language of the ballot.