BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4165

By: Schofield

Special Purpose Districts

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, certain land located within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Houston in Harris County is undeveloped. Interested parties suggest that the land would benefit from the creation of a municipal utility district to construct and finance water, sewer, drainage, road, and recreational facilities. H.B. 4165 seeks to provide for the creation of the district.

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. 4165 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 545, 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 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.