BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4171

By: Zerwas

Special Purpose Districts

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Continuing development and growth in a certain area of Fort Bend County has created the need for permanent improvements such as water supply and distribution facilities, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, drainage and flood control projects, and major thoroughfare improvements. Interested parties contend that the area would benefit from the creation of a municipal utility district. H.B. 4171 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. 4171 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 219, subject to voter approval at a confirmation election and municipal consent. The bill grants the district the power to undertake certain road projects and authorizes the district, subject to certain requirements, to issue obligations and to 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.