AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

H.B. 2296 creates the Jefferson County Management District No. 1 (district), a special district created under Section 59 (Conservation and Development of Natural Resources and Parks and Recreational Facilities; Conservation and Reclamation Districts), Article XVI (General Provisions), Texas Constitution.  The district will be a coastal improvement district utilizing both shipping and rail.  H.B. 2296 allows for the imposition of assessments and ad valorem taxes to provide water, sewage, drainage, road, and navigation improvements and facilities.

 

The creation of the district is necessary to promote, develop, encourage and maintain employment, commerce, transportation, housing, tourism, recreation, the arts, entertainment, economic development, safety, and the public welfare in the district.  Services to be provided by the district will supplement city and county services. 

 

H.B. 2296 relates to the creation of Jefferson County Management District No. 1 and provides authority to impose an assessment, impose a tax, and issue bonds.

 

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 3864, as follows:

 

CHAPTER 3864.  JEFFERSON COUNTY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1

 

Sets forth standard language for the creation of the Jefferson County Management District No. 1 (district) in Jefferson County and the City of Port Arthur.  Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

 

Creation, purpose, and approval of the district (Sections 3864.001-3864.050);

 

Size, composition, appointment, compensation, and terms of the board of directors of the district, including provisions relating to nonvoting directors and quorum (Sections 3864.051-3864.100);

 

Power and duties of the district (Sections 3864.101-3864.150);

 

General financial provisions and authority to impose a tax and issue bonds and obligations for the district (Sections 3864.151-3864.250);

 

Provisions relating to the defined areas of the district (Sections 3864.251-3864.300); and

 

Annexation and dissolution of the district by a municipality (Section 3864.301).

 

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, 2011.