BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2210
87R9792 CXP-D	By: West
	Local Government
	5/7/2021
	As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The purpose of this bill is to create the Lancaster Logistics District, a municipal management district whose primary purpose is the advancement of economic development and the support of economic activity within the community, including manufacturing and distribution activity.

 

Lancaster is located within southern Dallas County and near the largest inland rail port. The historic lack of investment and opportunity in southern Dallas County has made economic develop difficult for Lancaster. The inland rail port has spurred (pun intended) opportunity in the area and this bill will give Lancaster additional tools to foster economic development.

 

The bill enables Lancaster to compete more fairly for national economic development site selection projects by clarifying Lancaster's eligibility for both state and local incentive programs. Section 3907.0308 of the bill allows registered projects a better opportunity to be considered for awards under the governor's Texas Enterprise Fund program. The bill also contains various funding provisions and allows expenditures on items that will improve the business climate in Lancaster and foster more economic activity benefiting the city and its citizens.

 

These provisions allow the Lancaster Logistics District to maintain infrastructure and fix damages created by large freight carriers and to increase the quality of life for workers who make the manufacturing and fulfillment centers possible. As quality of life increases, the marketability of the community for higher paying jobs increases.

 

The City of Lancaster and the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce have both passed resolutions in support of the bill. We are unaware of any opposition at this time.

 

As proposed, S.B. 2210 amends current law relating to the creation of the Lancaster Logistics District, provides authority to issue bonds, and provides authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Subtitle C, Title 4, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 3907, as follows:

 

CHAPTER 3907.� LANCASTER LOGISTICS DISTRICT

 

Sets forth standard language for the creation of the Lancaster Logistics District (district). Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

 

Creation, purpose, and approval of the district (Sections 3907.0101-3907.0108);

 

Size and composition of the board of directors, appointment of temporary directors, and compensation of the board of directors (Sections 3907.0201-3907.0205);

 

Powers and duties of the district (Sections 3907.0301-3907.0403);

 

General financial provisions and authority to impose a tax and issue bonds and obligations for the district (Sections 3907.0501-3907.0805); and

 

Dissolution of the district by the board (Sections 3907.0901-3907.0903).

 

Provides that the district does not have the power of eminent domain.

 

SECTION 2. Sets forth the initial boundaries of the district.

 

SECTION 3. Provides that all requirements of the constitution and the laws of this state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled and accomplished.

 

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2021.