BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 751

By: Patrick

Special Purpose Districts

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, certain land located within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Houston in Harris County is undeveloped. Interested parties contend that the area would benefit from the creation of a municipal utility district. S.B. 751 seeks to address this issue.

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

S.B. 751 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 531, 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 two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house, prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.