83R10077 JXC-F

By: Coleman H.J.R. No. 149

A JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment clarifying the authority of emergency services districts to levy taxes and issue bonds or other obligations and removing the limitation on the ad valorem tax rate.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 48-e, Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 48-e. Laws may be enacted to provide for the establishment and creation of special districts to provide emergency services, to authorize an emergency services district to levy ad valorem taxes and issue bonds and other obligations, and to authorize an emergency services district to use ad valorem tax revenue for the operation of the district or repayment of the principal of or interest on bonds or obligations [and to authorize the commissioners courts of participating counties to levy a tax on the ad valorem property situated in said districts not to exceed Ten Cents (10¢) on the One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) valuation for the support thereof]; provided that no tax shall be levied, or bond or obligation secured by ad valorem tax revenues issued, in support of an emergency services district [said districts] until the tax, bond, or obligation is approved by a vote of the qualified voters residing in the district [therein]. Such a district may provide emergency medical services, emergency ambulance services, rural fire prevention and control services, or other emergency services authorized by the Legislature.

SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 5, 2013. The ballot shall be printed to provide for voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment clarifying the authority of emergency services districts to levy taxes and issue bonds or other obligations and removing the limitation on the ad valorem tax rate."