BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

C.S.S.B. 884

85R17586 TJB-D

By: Whitmire et al.

 

Intergovernmental Relations

 

3/20/2017

 

Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

In 2013, Harris County voters rejected a $217 million bond proposal that would have paid for massive renovations to the Astrodome. Since that time, the Astrodome has sat vacant. Now, the Harris County Commissioners Court is moving forward with a $105 million renovation project.

 

S.B. 884 requires approval by Harris County voters before Harris County can expend county revenue to improve or redevelop the Houston Astrodome. (Original Author�s / Sponsor�s Statement of Intent)

 

C.S.S.B. 884 amends current law relating to the authority of certain counties to use county revenue or incur debt to improve or redevelop certain sports facilities.

 

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 Chapter 330, Local Government Code, by adding Section 330.002, as follows:

 

Sec. 330.002. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY OF CERTAIN COUNTIES TO IMPROVE OR REDEVELOP CERTAIN SPORTS FACILITIES. (a) Defines "county revenue" and "obsolete sports facility."

 

(b) Provides that this section applies only to a county with a population of 3.3 million or more.

 

(c) Prohibits a county from funding, in whole or in part, the improvement or redevelopment of an obsolete sports facility with county revenue or debt, if the improvement or redevelopment will cost $10 million or more, unless the funding is approved by the voters of the county at an election held for that purpose.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.