BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4643

By: Bell, Cecil

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that an area located within Montgomery County would benefit from the creation of a water control and improvement district. H.B. 4643 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. 4643 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Wood Trace Water Control and Improvement District of Montgomery County, Texas, subject to municipal consent and voter approval at a confirmation election. The bill grants the district the power to undertake certain road projects. The bill authorizes the district, subject to certain requirements, to issue obligations, including bonds for road projects and recreational facilities, and impose property, operation and maintenance, and contract taxes. The bill, if it receives a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house, prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain outside the district boundaries to acquire a site or easement for a recreational facility or a road project. The bill, if it does not receive such a vote, expressly prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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