BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 349

By: Bucy

Urban Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law permits municipalities to exempt all or a portion of drainage fees for properties owned by tax-exempt religious organizations and cemeteries that are closed to new interments. For some municipalities outlined by law, certain additional properties are exempted from drainage fees, including those owned by a county, school district, or housing authority. Amid the growing concern of affordability for many of our communities, some residents who have a fixed income or face other hardships and extenuating circumstances may benefit from being exempted from all or part of municipal drainage fees.

H.B. 349 seeks to give municipalities another method to address affordability concerns by permitting full or partial drainage fee exemptions for senior citizens, active duty military members, veterans, and people with disabilities.

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. 349 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, 2023.