BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3943

By: Davis, Sarah

Special Purpose Districts

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that 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, and major thoroughfare improvements. H.B. 3943 seeks to help address this need by providing for the creation of a municipal utility district in Harris County. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3943 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 537, subject to voter approval at a confirmation election and municipal consent. The bill grants the district the power to undertake certain road projects. The bill authorizes the district, subject to certain requirements, to issue obligations and impose property, operation and maintenance, and contract taxes. The bill, if it does not receive a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.