BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4160

By: Farney

Special Purpose Districts

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

According to interested parties, continuing development and growth in Central Texas, including Burnet County, has created the need for large-scale, permanent improvements such as water supply and distribution facilities, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, drainage and flood control projects, and roadway improvements. H.B. 4160 seeks to create the Burnet County Municipal Utility District No. 1 to address that need.

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. 4160 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Burnet County Municipal Utility District No. 1, subject to voter approval at a confirmation election. The bill grants the district the power to undertake certain road projects and provides for a strategic partnership agreement, division of the district, and establishment of defined areas or designated property. The bill authorizes the district, subject to certain requirements and exemptions, to issue obligations and to impose assessments and property, operation and maintenance, and contract taxes. The bill, if it does not receive a two-thirds vote of all the 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.