BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2537
81R11530 SGA-F By: Patrick, Dan
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Continuing development and growth in Harris County has created the need for large-scale permanent improvements such as water supply and distribution facilities, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, drainage and flood control projects, recreational facilities, and major thoroughfare improvements. The Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 524 (district) would encompass 990.804 acres of land in Harris County.
As proposed, S.B. 2537 creates the district pursuant to Section 59 (Conservation and Development of Natural Resources and Parks and Recreational Facilities; Conservation and Reclamation Districts), Article XVI (General Provisions), Texas Constitution and subject to the continuing supervisory jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The district will have all of the powers and duties granted to municipal utility districts operating pursuant to Chapters 49 (Provisions Applicable to All Districts) and 54 (Municipal Water Districts), Water Code, with road powers pursuant to Section 52 (Counties, Cities or Other Political Corporations or Subdivisions; Lending Credit; Grants; Bonds), Article III (Legislative Department), Texas Constitution, and grants a limited power of eminent domain and additional district division powers.
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 F, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 8354, as follows:
CHAPTER 8354. HARRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 524
Sets forth standard language for the creation of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 524 (district) in Harris County. Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:
General provisions of the district (Sections 8354.001-8354.050);
Board of directors of the district (Sections 8354.051-8354.100);
Powers and duties of the district (Sections 8354.101-8354.150); and
General financial provisions of the district (Sections 8354.151-8354.203).
Prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain outside the district to acquire a site or easement for a road project authorized by Section 8354.103 or a recreational facility as defined by Section 49.462 (Definitions), Water Code.
SECTION 2. Sets forth the initial boundaries of the district.
SECTION 3. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and 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.