Honorable Garnet Coleman, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HJR148 by Coleman (Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the creation of emergency and disaster response districts; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated, other than the cost of publication.
The cost to the state for publication of the resolution is $108,921.
This resolution would propose an amendment to Article III, Texas Constitution, by adding new Section 48-d to provide for the creation of emergency and diaster response districts.
The Legislature could create within the state emergency and diaster response districts for the purposes of protection of the health and welfare of citizens and residents during natural disasters and other emergency situations, protection of property, and preservation and protection of natural resources. The Legislature would be directed to authorize indebtedness to be issued by the districts and the imposition of taxes for debt service and for maintenance of the districts and improvements. Authorization of indebtedness would require approval of the qualified voters of a district. Notice requirements and other procedures would be prescribed with respect to laws creating or amending a law creating such a district.
The proposed constitutional amendment would permit but not require the creation of emergency and response districts and the issuance of indebtedness and levy of taxes by future legislatures, and would not of itself have any fiscal impact.
The proposed constitutional amendment would be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 5, 2013, and would be effective thereafter if approved.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.