BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.J.R. 32
88R4612 JTZ-D	By: Blanco
	Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs
	3/8/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

In 2003, the Texas Constitution was amended, giving conservation and reclamation districts in certain counties across the state the ability to issue bonds to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities. El Paso County was left out of this constitutional amendment and currently does not have this authority, resulting in an underfunded parks system across the county.

El Paso County should be included on the list of Texas counties that allow their conservation and reclamation districts to issue bonds to develop recreational facilities. Allowing bonds to be issued for recreational purposes will benefit the health and wellness of El Paso County residents and encourage further economic development and growth for the region.

S.J.R. 32 would propose an amendment to the Texas Constitution to authorize conservation and reclamation districts, all or part of which are located in El Paso County, to issue bonds supported by property taxes to fund recreational purposes. S.B. 938 is the enabling legislation.

S.J.R. 32 proposes a constitutional amendment relating to the authority of the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.

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 Subsection (c-1), Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, as follows:

(c-1) Authorizes the legislature, for development of certain parks and recreational facilities, to authorize indebtedness payable from taxes as may be necessary to provide for improvements and maintenance only for a conservation and reclamation district all or part of which is located in certain counties, including El Paso County.

SECTION 2. Provides that the legislature intends by the amendment proposed by Section 1 of this resolution to expand the authority of the legislature with regard to conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County. Provides that the proposed amendment should not be construed as a limitation on the powers of the legislature or of a district with respect to parks and recreational facilities as those powers exist immediately before the amendment takes effect.

SECTION 3. Requires that the proposed constitutional amendment be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 2023. Sets forth the required language of the ballot.�