AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The cities of Rio Bravo and El Cenizo in Webb County have reported difficulty in providing necessary services for their residents. Currently, fire and emergency medical (EMS) services are performed by volunteers because the cities do not have the capability to hire and pay personnel. The mayors of the cities therefore have requested the authority to establish a fire control, prevention, and emergency medical services district. If a majority of the qualified voters of the proposed district approve the creation of such a  district, the cities of El Cenizo and Rio Bravo could train and compensate fire and EMS personnel and provide fire and EMS services.

 

S.B. 1453 expands the current population requirements under Section 344.051, Local Government Code, to include the cities of El Cenizo and Rio Bravo as municipalities with the authority to propose a fire control, prevention, and emergency medical services district.

 

S.B. 1453 amends current law relating to the authority of certain municipalities to propose a fire control, prevention, and emergency medical services district.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 344.051, Local Government Code, by adding Subsection (a-2), as follows:

 

(a-2) Authorizes the governing body of a municipality to propose the creation of a fire control, prevention, and emergency medical services district under this chapter if the municipality is located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of another municipality that has a population of 200,000 or more, both of which are located in a county with a population of less than 300,000 that is located on the international border.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.