BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2033

By: Taylor, Larry

Special Purpose Districts

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

S.B. 2033 proposes to grant road powers, including the authority to construct and finance roads under Section 52, Article III, Texas Constitution, to Galveston County Municipal Utility District No. 35 (district). S.B. 2033 amends current law relating to the powers and duties of the Galveston County Municipal Utility District No. 35 and provides authority to issue bonds and impose fees and taxes.

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

SECTION 1. Amends Subtitle F, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 7930, as follows:

CHAPTER 7930. GALVESTON COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 35

Sets forth standard language for the creation of the Galveston County Municipal Utility District No. 35 (district) in Galveston County. Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

Creation and approval of the district, including provisions related to definition and nature and purposes of district (Sections 7930.001 and 7930.002);

Powers and duties of the district, including provisions related to general powers and duties; municipal utility district powers and duties; authority for road projects; and road standards and requirements (Sections 7930.051-7930.054); and

Bonds and other obligations, including provisions for the authority to issue bonds and other obligations for road projects; and taxes for bonds (Sections 7930.101 and 7930.102).

SECTION 2. Provides that the district retains all rights, powers, privileges, authority, duties, and functions that it had before the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3. (a) Provides that the legislature validates and confirms all governmental acts and proceedings of the district that were taken before the effective date of this Act.

(b) Provides that this section does not apply to any matter that on the effective date of this Act:

(1) is involved in litigation if the litigation ultimately results in the matter being held invalid by a final court judgment; or

(2)  has been held invalid by a final court judgment.

SECTION 4. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and the laws of this state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and accomplished.

SECTION 5. Provides for the effective date of this Act.

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2015.