BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2660
86R19892 BRG-F	By: Calanni (Kolkhorst)
	Intergovernmental Relations
	5/11/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 2660 creates the Richfield Ranch Water Control and Improvement District (district) of Harris County, Texas, under Chapter 51, Water Code, whose core function is to construct, own, and operate drainage improvements. The district covers approximately 514 acres and is located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Houston and within Harris County. The district relates to a larger tract to be developed as a master planned community to be known as Richfield Ranch, which will consist of single family residential and commercial development.

H.B. 2660 amends current law relating to the creation of the Richfield Ranch Water Control and Improvement District of Harris County, Texas; grants a limited power of eminent domain; provides authority to issue bonds; and provides authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

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 Subtitle I, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 9086, as follows:

CHAPTER 9086. RICHFIELD RANCH WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS

Sets forth standard language for the creation of the Richfield Ranch Water Control and Improvement District (district) in Harris County. Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

Creation and approval of the district (Sections 9086.0101�9086.0106);

Size, composition, election, and terms of the board of directors, including provisions relating to initial temporary directors (Sections 9086.0201�9086.0202);

Powers and duties of the district (9086.0301�9086.0306);

General financial provisions (9086.0401�9086.0403); and

Authority to impose a tax and to issue bonds and obligations for the district (9086.0501�9086.0504).

SECTION 2. Sets forth the initial boundaries of the district.

SECTION 3. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and 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 4. (a) Provides that Section 9086.0306, Special District Local Laws Code, as added by Section 1 of this Act, takes effect only if this Act receives a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house.

(b) Provides that, if this Act does not receive a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house, Subchapter C, Chapter 9086, Special District Local Laws Code, as added by Section 1 of this Act, is amended by adding Section 9086.0306, as follows:

Sec. 9086.0306. NO EMINENT DOMAIN POWER. Prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.

(c) Provides that this section is not intended to be an expression of a legislative interpretation of the requirements of Section 17(c), Article I, Texas Constitution.

SECTION 5. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.