BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

S.B. 2553

By: Watson

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

It has been suggested that the Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin, known locally as "Muny," which is currently owned by the University of Texas at Austin and leased by the city, be preserved as a green space and for its historical significance. It has been noted that the creation of a special district along the borders of the golf course would allow for the community to acquire the property from the University of Texas and would serve as a conduit for gifts, grants, or donations for the purpose of preservation.

 

S.B. 2553 seeks to address this issue by providing for the creation of the Save Historic Muny District, providing authority to issue bonds, and providing authority to impose fees.

 

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

 

S.B. 2553 amends the Special Districts Local Laws Code to set forth standard language for the creation, initial boundaries, and approval of the Save Historical Muny District in Travis County. The bill creates a committee to appoint the first five-member board, and sets out requirements for the size, composition, terms, and appointments of the board of directors and composition of the appointing committee.

 

S.B. 2553 sets out provisions related to the powers and duties of the district, including the authority to issue bonds, the authority to impose fees, and the authority to use available money for improvement projects and services, membership in charitable organizations, and authorization for other charges.

 

S.B. 2553 requires that the board must dissolve the district if no successful election has occurred or the district has not entered an agreement for the purchase or method of preserving the land consistent with the purpose of the district. The bill prohibits the district from imposing taxes or assessments or exercising eminent domain.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

Upon passage or September 1, 2019.