BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1068

By: Zerwas

Special Purpose Districts

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent development and growth in Fort Bend County have created the need for infrastructure  improvements. Interested parties contend that the area would benefit from the creation of a municipal utility district.  H.B. 1068 seeks to address this issue.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 1068 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 216, 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 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, 2015.