87R11691 SMT-F
 
  By: Israel H.B. No. 4448
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the projects that may be undertaken by a public
  improvement district.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 372.003, Local Government Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-2) to
  read as follows:
         (b)  A public improvement project may include:
               (1)  landscaping;
               (2)  erection of fountains, distinctive lighting, and
  signs;
               (3)  acquiring, constructing, improving, widening,
  narrowing, closing, or rerouting of sidewalks or of streets, any
  other roadways, or their rights-of-way;
               (4)  construction or improvement of pedestrian malls;
               (5)  acquisition and installation of pieces of art;
               (6)  acquisition, construction, or improvement of
  libraries;
               (7)  acquisition, construction, or improvement of
  off-street parking facilities;
               (8)  acquisition, construction, improvement, or
  rerouting of mass transportation facilities;
               (9)  acquisition, construction, or improvement of
  water, geothermal water conveyance, wastewater, or drainage
  facilities or improvements;
               (10)  the establishment or improvement of parks;
               (11)  projects similar to those listed in Subdivisions
  (1)-(10);
               (12)  acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of real
  property, including a right-of-way or easement, in connection with
  an authorized improvement;
               (13)  special supplemental services for improvement
  and promotion of the district, including services relating to
  advertising, promotion, health and sanitation, water and
  wastewater, public safety, security, business recruitment,
  development, recreation, and cultural enhancement;
               (14)  payment of expenses incurred in the
  establishment, administration, and operation of the district; and
               (15)  the development, rehabilitation, or expansion of
  affordable housing.
         (b-2)  Payment of expenses under Subsection (b)(9) may also
  include expenses related to the operation and maintenance of a
  geothermal water conveyance facility or improvement.
         SECTION 2.  Section 372.023(a), Local Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Costs of improvements may be paid or reimbursed by any
  combination of the methods described by this section if the
  improvements are dedicated, conveyed, leased, or otherwise
  provided to or for the benefit of:
               (1)  a municipality or county;
               (2)  a political subdivision or other entity exercising
  the powers granted under this subchapter as authorized by other
  law; [or]
               (3)  an entity that:
                     (A)  is approved by the governing body of an
  entity described by Subdivision (1) or (2); and
                     (B)  is authorized by order, ordinance,
  resolution, or other official action to act for an entity described
  by Subdivision (1) or (2); or
               (4)  an entity subject to the regulatory jurisdiction
  of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.