Texas Senate Bill SB748

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/28/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/4/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/13/09
• Voted on by House: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/26/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 161; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

Impact

This bill has a significant potential impact on state laws relating to municipal utility districts and local governance. By empowering the district to undertake road projects without requiring full approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality under specific conditions, SB748 aims to streamline the process of infrastructure development. However, it mandates that any bond issuance tied to ad valorem taxes must be approved by a two-thirds majority of district voters, ensuring a degree of local oversight remains intact even as new powers are conferred.

Summary

SB748 is a legislative act aimed at granting specific powers to the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 161. It provides authority for the district to impose taxes and issue bonds to fund road construction and improvement projects. By defining the roles and responsibilities of the district, the bill intends to facilitate better infrastructure and community development within the county, allowing for enhancements like macadamized, graveled, or paved roads along with accompanying storm drainage improvements. The act signifies an important expansion of the district's legislative framework, establishing operational grounds to support long-term infrastructure projects.

Contention

While the bill aims to fill in the gaps for road development and municipal operation within Fort Bend County, it may raise concerns among local officials and voters regarding the appropriateness of enhanced taxation powers and bond issuance. Some stakeholders might view the means of financing public works through taxes and bonds as burdensome, especially in an environment where public trust and fiscal responsibility are critical. This potential for contention underscores the importance of voter engagement and clarity in how such projects align with the community’s long-term vision for growth and development.