BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1879

By: Eltife

Special Purpose Districts

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The TexAmericas Center, formerly the Red River Redevelopment Authority, was established more than a decade ago in response to the closure of part of the Red River Army Depot. In 2005, the closure of the Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant resulted in thousands of additional acres becoming available for redevelopment by the center. However, the law relating to the center limits the purposes for which the center may use grants or funds. S.B. 1879 seeks to expand the projects in which the center may invest to prevent the closure or realignment of local military bases and to attract new missions. 

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. 1879 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to authorize the TexAmericas Center to fund and carry out a project the TexAmericas Center's board of directors determines will promote or support an active military base located in the same county as the TexAmericas Center to prevent closure or realignment of the base and to attract new military missions to the base, including a project to create jobs; retain jobs; grant or loan money to a federal entity; make improvements to infrastructure, buildings, or land; or acquire land. The bill makes a technical correction.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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