Texas Senate Bill SB880

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/7/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/12/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by House: 5/25/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/26/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 200; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation will enhance the ability of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District to address public infrastructure needs through targeted taxation and bond financing. Furthermore, it grants the district the authority to undertake construction projects, including roads and drainage improvements, facilitating better management of local resources. This bill ensures that these essential utilities can be developed in accordance with the needs of the community while also maintaining a structured financing model.

Summary

SB880 proposes the establishment of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 200, intended to provide local governance for specific infrastructure needs within that region. The bill enables the district to impose taxes and issue bonds as necessary for its operations and projects. A prominent aspect of the bill includes provisions for the imposition of an operation and maintenance tax and details on how bonds can be issued, particularly for road projects and public utilities within the district's jurisdiction.

Contention

One area of potential contention highlighted in the bill allows for limited powers of eminent domain. While it is a standard tool for municipal utility districts to acquire land for public use, the provisions regarding the exercise of this power may raise concerns among property owners in the district. Additionally, there are stipulations requiring municipal consent for the district to hold elections or impose taxes, ensuring some level of local democratic oversight. Nonetheless, stakeholders might debate the balance between utility management and property rights.