BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 5334
88R19258 ANG-F	By: Harless (Bettencourt)
	Local Government
	5/18/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Cypress Creek Watershed has been subjected to numerous extensive flood events over the last several years. Following Hurricane Harvey, Harris County residents approved approximately $4 billion in bonds for flood mitigation projects. A number of such projects were identified within the watershed but a reprioritization of projects by the Harris County Commissioners Court has resulted in these projects not receiving sufficient funding. H.B. 5334 seeks to address this lack of funding for watershed projects by creating the Cypress Creek Drainage Improvement District, which will not have taxing or bonding authority but would acquire funding through donations, grants, and other sources.

H.B. 5334 amends current law relating to the creation of the Cypress Creek Drainage Improvement District.

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 A, Title 6, Special District Local Laws Code, by adding Chapter 6608, as follows:

CHAPTER 6608. CYPRESS CREEK DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Sets forth language for the creation of the Cypress Creek Drainage Improvement District (district). Sets forth standards, procedures, requirements, and criteria for:

Creation, purpose, and approval of the district (Sections 6608.0101-6608.0106);

Size, composition, election, and terms of the board of directors of the district, including the naming of the initial directors (Sections 6608.0201-6608.0202);

Powers and duties of the district (Sections 6608.0301-6608.0303); and

Dissolution of the district (Section 6608.0401).

Prohibits the district from exercising 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 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: upon passage or September 1, 2023.