88R23133 MCF-D
 
  By: Rosenthal, Orr H.B. No. 2730
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2730:
 
  By:  Jones of Harris C.S.H.B. No. 2730
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the adoption and amendment of an annual budget by
  certain emergency services districts.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter E, Chapter 775, Health and Safety
  Code, is amended by adding Section 775.079 to read as follows:
         Sec. 775.079.  ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF ANNUAL BUDGET IN
  CERTAIN DISTRICTS. (a)  This section applies only to a district
  located wholly in a county with a population of more than three
  million.
         (b)  The board shall prepare and adopt the district's annual
  budget in the manner provided by this section.
         (c)  The board, after notice, shall hold an open meeting to
  consider the proposed budget for the following fiscal year.  
  Adoption of the budget may occur at the same meeting at which the
  board takes final action to set the tax rate if the board complies
  with Section 775.074(d-1).
         (d)  At least 72 hours before holding a meeting to adopt a
  proposed budget for the following fiscal year, the board shall post
  the proposed budget on the district's Internet website in the same
  location on the website that a proposed tax rate to be adopted is
  posted. 
         (e)  After the board adopts the budget, the board may not
  amend the budget except as provided by Subsections (f) and (g).
         (f)  The board, after notice, may amend the budget after its
  initial adoption only at an open meeting.  The board shall:
               (1)  not later than 72 hours before the meeting, post
  the proposed amendment on the district's Internet website in the
  same location on the website that a proposed tax rate to be adopted
  is posted; and
               (2)  include in the notice of the meeting:
                     (A)  the following statement: "The Board of the
  (name of county) Emergency Services District No. (district number)
  will consider an amendment to the district's adopted budget.  The
  public is encouraged to review the proposed amendment to the budget
  posted on the district's website and to attend the meeting to offer
  comments regarding the proposed amendment. (district Internet
  website address)"; and
                     (B)  the following agenda items:
                           (i)  "Public comment on the proposed
  amendment to the budget"; and
                           (ii)  "Action to adopt or reject the
  proposed amendment to the budget".
         (g)  After allowing comments from the public regarding the
  proposed amendment, the board may amend the budget only if three or
  more members of the board vote in favor of adopting the proposed
  amendment.
         (h)  The board shall give notice of a meeting held under this
  section in the manner provided by Chapter 551, Government Code, and
  this section.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.