BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1820

By: Bailes

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey local entities need to be proactive with respect to flood control. As such, it has been suggested that a county-wide drainage district would be beneficial for Liberty County. H.B. 1820 seeks to provide for the creation of such a district.

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

H.B. 1820 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to provide for the creation of the Liberty County Drainage District. The bill, among other provisions, expressly prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain if the bill does not receive a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house.

H.B. 1820 adds temporary provisions, set to expire September 1, 2023, requiring the temporary directors of the Liberty County Drainage District to hold an election before September 1, 2022, to confirm the creation of the district and, if the district's creation is confirmed, requiring the Liberty County Drainage District No. 4, Old River Drainage District 1-Liberty County, and Raywood Drainage District 2 to transfer their assets, debts, and contractual rights and obligations to the Liberty County Drainage District and providing for the dissolution of those existing districts.

H.B. 1820 sets its provisions to expire September 1, 2022, if the creation of the Liberty County Drainage District is not confirmed at a confirmation election before that date.

H.B. 1820 repeals Chapter 52, Acts of the 57th Legislature, 1st Called Session, 1961, relating to the Liberty County Drainage District Number Five. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.