BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.S.B. 1835

By: Alvarado

County Affairs

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that an area located within an unincorporated area in east Harris County would benefit from the creation of an improvement district. C.S.S.B. 1835 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

C.S.S.B. 1835 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Channelview Improvement District to provide certain improvements, projects, and services for public use and benefit. The bill sets its provisions to expire September 1, 2023, if the creation of the district is not confirmed at a confirmation election held before such date.

C.S.S.B. 1835 provides for, among other provisions, the annexation or exclusion of district territory, district fees and charges, and dissolution of the district. The bill sets out the district's powers and duties, which include, subject to certain requirements, the authority to issue bonds and impose a sales and use tax. The bill prohibits the district from employing peace officers, engaging in firefighting activities, providing medical emergency services, exercising the power of eminent domain, or imposing a property tax.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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

COMPARISON OF SENATE ENGROSSED AND SUBSTITUTE

While C.S.S.B. 1835 may differ from the engrossed in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following summarizes the substantial differences between the engrossed and committee substitute versions of the bill.

The substitute does not include a provision authorizing the Channelview Improvement District to exercise the powers given to a development corporation under certain Local Government Code provisions.

The substitute includes a provision prohibiting the district from engaging in firefighting activities or providing medical emergency services.

The substitute includes a provision setting the bill's provisions to expire September 1, 2023, if the creation of the district is not confirmed at a confirmation election held before such date.