BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 824

By: Bucy

Urban Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law provides for exemptions from municipal drainage charges for certain entities such as certain religious organizations and cemeteries as well as certain property owned by local governmental entities. Given that affordability is a growing concern for many communities, it has been suggested that some residents who have a fixed income or otherwise face hardships and extenuating circumstances may also benefit from a drainage charge exemption. H.B. 824 seeks to address this issue and help municipalities address affordability concerns in their communities by authorizing a municipality to exempt property from all or a portion of drainage charges if the property is used as the principal residence of certain individuals.

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. 824 amends the Local Government Code to authorize a municipality to exempt property from all or a portion of drainage charges if the property is used as the principal residence of an individual who is:

· disabled;

· 65 years of age or older;

· a veteran of the U.S. armed services; or

· a member of the U.S. armed services on active deployment.

The bill authorizes the municipality to impose additional eligibility requirements for such an exemption.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.