Texas House Bill HB69

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the extraterritorial jurisdiction of and municipal annexation by certain municipalities.

Impact

Significantly, the bill changes how population size influences annexation and extraterritorial jurisdiction policies in Texas, particularly for larger cities. It restricts municipalities with a population over 1.8 million from imposing taxes in these extraterritorial areas unless they can demonstrate that they provide police and fire protection there. This provision aims to clarify the fiscal responsibilities and powers of such municipalities concerning areas they wish to govern outside their formal borders, potentially reducing the scope of their authority in surrounding regions.

Summary

House Bill 69 addresses the extraterritorial jurisdiction and municipal annexation for municipalities with a population of 1.8 million or more. The bill amends the Local Government Code to specify the parameters under which these large municipalities can claim extraterritorial jurisdiction, particularly focusing on areas receiving full municipal police and fire protection services. Under the proposed legislation, such municipalities would be limited in terms of extraterritorial jurisdiction, being able to extend it only into contiguous unincorporated areas within five miles of their corporate boundaries, provided these areas are not within another municipality's jurisdiction.

Contention

Though supported for creating clarity in local governance, the bill could generate contention among smaller municipalities and community groups. Critics may argue that it limits the growth and governance capabilities of smaller cities that could be annexed or would be impacted by the restrictions on services offered by larger municipalities. There may be concerns about potential overreach by larger cities which might see an opportunity to expand their influence while limiting local autonomy of smaller jurisdictions. The balance between effective municipal governance and the rights of smaller areas to self-determine their administrative boundaries will be a focal point of debate.