Texas House Bill HB1300

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/23/09
• Voted on by House: 4/9/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/5/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Governor Action: 5/27/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Kennedale TownCenter Development District; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.

Impact

Should HB 1300 be enacted, it would impact local governance structures by creating a new special district with defined powers to address specific community needs. This includes the ability to levy ad valorem taxes and assessments, facilitating funding for district projects. The bill emphasizes the importance of public engagement, requiring petitions from property owners for projects financed through assessments, which helps to ensure that community interests are represented.

Summary

House Bill 1300 aims to establish the Kennedale TownCenter Development District, granting the district the authority to impose taxes and issue bonds for various public purposes. The legislation is designed to promote economic development, improve infrastructure, and enhance community welfare. Specific areas impacted by the bill include transportation, safety, housing, and commerce. The district will focus on preserving the economic health of Kennedale while targeting improvements that benefit residents and visitors alike.

Contention

While the bill outlines significant benefits such as infrastructure and economic improvements, there may be concerns related to local governance and autonomy. Critics may argue that the establishment of a new development district could encroach upon existing local government powers or shift focus away from broader community needs. Moreover, there could be discussions around the tax burden placed on residents, particularly if the taxes and fees imposed by the district are viewed as excessive or misaligned with local priorities.