The House Committee on Special Purpose Districts

84th Legislature

August 23, 2016

11:00 a.m.

E2.012

Pursuant to a notice posted on August 3, 2016, revised on August 19, 2016, the House Committee on Special Purpose Districts met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Miller, Doug, at 11:04 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Miller, Doug; Alvarado; Faircloth; and Zedler.

A quorum was present.

The committee heard public testimony on Interim Charge No. 1: Study best practices in the creation, management, and expansion of Municipal Management Districts (MMD) and/or Improvement Districts in the state. Consider the economic impact of the taxation or assessment of local property owners through bonds issued by MMDs. The committee should specifically examine the mechanisms by which MMDs expand or limit their powers, MMD consistency in the use of eminent domain powers, transparency in MMD reporting requirements, and the mechanisms for voter approval of the creation and dissolution of MMDs. Develop and recommend standards for future district creation.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee heard public testimony on Interim Charge No. 2: Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of all special purpose districts under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should:

a. consider any reforms to special district laws to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens;

b. identify issues regarding special purpose districts that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate;

c. determine whether special purpose districts are operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and

d. identify opportunities to streamline the purpose of multiple districts created within the same area, while maintaining the mission of special purpose districts

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 2:07 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Miller, Doug, Chair

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Rudy England, Clerk