BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1716
85R9508 JCG-F	By: Reynolds et al. (Miles)
	Intergovernmental Relations
	5/12/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

County assistance district funds can be used for construction, maintenance, or improvement of roads or highways; provision of law enforcement and detention services; maintenance or improvement of libraries, museums, parks or other recreational facilities; promotion of economic development and tourism; firefighting and fire prevention services; and provision of services that benefit the public welfare.

The nature of limited annexation in Fort Bend County has essentially blocked other sales tax entities from annexing land into their jurisdictions. County assistance districts can only spend revenue collected on general projects within the district boundaries.

H.B. 1716 would allow for county assistance districts to be noncontiguous. In addition, a county assistance district annexing land may annex a territory that is non-adjacent or contiguous to the district.

H.B. 1716 amends current law relating to territory of county assistance districts.

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 387.003, Local Government Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (k), as follows:

(a) Authorizes a county assistance district (district) to consist of noncontiguous tracts.

(k) Authorizes a district annexing territory under this section (Creation and Functions of District) to annex territory that is not adjacent or contiguous to the district.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017. �