BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4661

By: Bailes

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that an area located within Liberty County would benefit from the creation of a management district. H.B. 4661 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. 4661 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Plum Creek Management District No. 1 of Liberty County to provide certain improvements, projects, and services for public use and benefit. The bill provides for, among other provisions, the authority for certain road projects, rail facilities, rural public transportation powers, the annexation or exclusion of land, a division of the district into two or more new districts, and defined areas. The bill sets out the district's powers and duties, which include, subject to certain requirements, the authority to issue obligations and impose assessments and property, operation and maintenance, sales and use, and contract taxes. The bill prohibits the district from exercising the power of eminent domain or constructing, acquiring, maintaining, and operating a toll road.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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