BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3888

By: Dutton

Special Purpose Districts

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that certain land within the unincorporated area of Harris County would benefit from the creation of a management district to provide for financing, constructing, and operating a broad spectrum of high-quality infrastructure necessary to attract and support commercial development. H.B. 3888 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. 3888 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Barrett Management District to provide certain improvements, projects, and services for public use and benefit. The bill grants the district the powers of a housing finance corporation created under the Texas Housing Finance Corporations Act and authorizes the district to provide housing or residential development projects in the district. The bill provides for, among other provisions, the establishment of a strategic partnership agreement between the district and the City of Houston, Harris County, or the Houston Independent School District and the dissolution of a district with outstanding debt. The bill prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain, imposing a property tax, assessment, or impact fee, or issuing bonds. The bill establishes that the district's authority to finance a service or improvement is contingent on the receipt of a petition requesting that service or improvement.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.