BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 303

By: Vasut

Intergovernmental Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Texas law recognizes multiple types of municipalities, including Type A, B, and C general-law municipalities. Each type of municipality has differing governing structures, obligations, and powers. The bill author has informed the committee that general-law cities with declining populations may find it difficult to comply with certain structures and obligations applicable to larger general-law municipalities. While Texas law allows Type A or B municipalities to incorporate into the Type C classification with voter approval, this authorization is limited to municipalities with populations of over 501, preventing Type A and B cities with fewer than 501 residents, like the Town of Quintana, from reincorporating as Type C municipalities. H.B. 303 seeks to address this issue by removing these minimum population thresholds.

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. 303 amends the Local Government Code to remove the minimum population thresholds of the qualifying Type A or Type B general-law municipalities that may change to a Type C general-law municipality.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.